The Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office (VBSO) will hold a special mass swearing-in ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, at 10 a.m. at Mount Trashmore Park, marking the first four-year term of Sheriff Rocky Holcomb and the reaffirmation of the oath of office by all VBSO sworn personnel.
This ceremony follows a unique sequence of special elections that required Holcomb and his deputies to retake their oaths annually over the last two years. After becoming sheriff on Oct. 1, 2023, following the retirement of longtime Sheriff Ken Stolle, Holcomb ran in a November 2024 special election to complete the remaining portion of Stolle’s term, which would have expired at the end of 2025. He then ran again this year for the four-year term that begins on Jan. 1, 2026. He won both contested elections with over 70% and 75% of the vote, respectively.
With Holcomb’s successful re-election, all sworn personnel must be reappointed and retake their oath of office. This occurs at the beginning of every new four-year term; however, this will be the first public mass swearing-in.
“This ceremony is more than a formality — it’s a reaffirmation of our commitment to the citizens of Virginia Beach,” said Holcomb. “Every oath we take is a promise to protect, serve and uphold the public trust. I am honored to continue leading the finest sheriff’s office in the commonwealth. We remain firmly committed to keeping this community safe and upholding our organizational values of T.R.U.S.T.: transparency, respect, unity, service and training.”
The VBSO has approximately 400 sworn full-time and part-time deputy sheriffs ranging from deputy recruits to sheriffs. Because of the jail shift schedule, which is comprised of four teams that cover 12-hour shifts, approximately 250 will be sworn in at Mount Trashmore, one of Virginia Beach’s most iconic public spaces. Family members, community partners and members of the public are invited to attend. Those unable to attend will be sworn in at a later date to ensure the oath is administered to every deputy, as required by law.
At the Dec. 13 swearing-in, the VBSO will also recognize the resilience and dedication of its deputies, who have navigated several years of uncertainty and leadership changes while maintaining the highest standards of service to the community.
Media are welcome and encouraged to attend. Interview opportunities with Holcomb and members of the VBSO command staff will be available immediately following the ceremony.
Event Details
What: VBSO Mass Swearing-In Ceremony When: Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, 10 a.m.. Where: Mount Trashmore Park, 310 Edwin Drive, Virginia Beach Who: Sheriff Rocky Holcomb and all VBSO sworn personnel
Oath of Office
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and that I will faithfully and impartially discharge all the duties incumbent upon me as Deputy Sheriff in the City of Virginia Beach, according to the best of my ability (so help me God)."
Media contact: Public Information Officer Toni Guagenti at tguagenti@vbso.net , 757-385-8446 or 757-373-5012