VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – The Virginia Beach Sheriff's Office (VBSO) held a Promotions Ceremony today (July 23, 2026) at Virginia Beach City Hall, Building 1. Under Sheriff Rocky Holcomb, two master deputies and one sergeant with combined VBSO service totaling nearly 40 years were promoted to sergeants and lieutenant, respectively.
“Today we recognize three exceptional leaders who have earned the trust and respect of their peers through hard work, integrity and service,” Holcomb said. “Their promotions reflect not only where they've been, but the example they'll continue to set for those who follow. Congratulations to each of them on this well-deserved achievement."
The promotions included: Lt. Heather M. Payton and Sgts. Jonathan R. Jones and Laura M. O’Dell. The promotion process at the VBSO is extremely competitive at every level. For deputies, it weighs performance, experience, tenure, leadership, volunteerism, training and education.
Sgt. Jonathan R. Jones joined the Virginia Beach Sheriff's Office in 2003 and returned to the agency in 2015 after serving in Texas. During his career, he has worked in Corrections, Courts/Transportation and Classification, while also serving as a Field Training Officer. Jones holds an Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice from Tidewater Community College and recently completed the Leadership in Police Organizations (LPO) program. A lifelong Virginia Beach resident, he is committed to mentoring others and serving both the agency and the community.
Sgt. Laura M. O'Dell began her career with the Virginia Beach Sheriff's Office in 2007 and has served in Corrections, Inmate Services and Records (ISR), and Property. She is a certified Field Training Officer, General Instructor, and Firearms Instructor. O'Dell recently earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration, graduating summa cum laude with a 4.0 GPA. She is active in supporting Disabled American Veterans, Special Olympics and Law Enforcement United and is committed to developing the next generation of deputies through servant leadership.
Lt. Heather M. Payton joined the Virginia Beach Sheriff's Office in 2015 after serving with the New York Department of Corrections. Her assignments have included Operations, Inmate Services and Records, Training and Civil Process. Payton holds a master’s degree in criminal justice leadership and management and has earned numerous instructor certifications while serving on the Emergency Response Team, Peer Support Team and Law Enforcement United. She is also an active volunteer supporting Special Olympics, first responders and veterans, bringing a strong commitment to leadership, service and professional development.
Congratulations to our new leaders!
About the Virginia Beach Sheriff's Office
The Virginia Beach Sheriff's Office is responsible for operating the Virginia Beach Correctional Center, providing courthouse and courtroom security, serving civil process, and supporting community engagement initiatives throughout the City of Virginia Beach.
Media contact: Public Information Officer Toni Guagenti at tguagenti@vbso.net , pio@vbso.net , 757-385-8446 or 757-373-5012.
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