VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - The Virginia Beach Sheriff's Office proudly announces the graduation of three of its sworn deputies on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024, from the Virginia Beach Police Department's Option 6 Academy. This new initiative allows sheriff’s deputies and certified jailers to gain extra training for a career in policing. Congratulations to Sgt. Floyd Parker, Master Deputy II Amber Gabello, and Master Deputy II James Ink for completing these tough 23 weeks of training. This academy allows the VBSO to provide the necessary law enforcement training for our deputies to work side-by-side with our VBPD partners and is part of Sheriff Rocky Holcomb's initiative to provide additional training to his sworn staff.
“As you move forward in your careers, always remember that your service to our community is valuable,” said Deputy Chief Alvie “Cool” Culanding for Sheriff Rocky Holcomb, who could not attend the graduation. “Your efforts make a tangible difference, and I am deeply grateful for your commitment to our office and our city.”
VBPD Chief Paul Neudigate reiterated the importance of the VBSO’s relationship with our police brethren. “The relationship between these two organizations is second to none,” Neudigate said. “We rely on each other…to make sure that we are protecting and serving the 460,000 residents of this city and 14.1 million visitors; that is not an easy job; that takes partnership, that takes collaboration, so, thank you to the Sheriff’s Office for being our great partner.”
After completing the Option 6 Academy and obtaining their law-enforcement certification, Parker, Gabello, and Ink will progress through the Professional Development Program in the same manner as all other sworn personnel, which includes being assigned to one of the VBPD’s four precincts citywide.
Media interested in this story should contact Public Information Officer Toni Guagenti at tguagenti@vbso.net or 757-385-8446.