The Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office is proud to announce the hiring of Chaplain Frank Stephens, who will oversee and strengthen staff wellness initiatives for deputies and civilians. In this vital role, Stephens will provide spiritual care, guidance and support as part of VBSO’s commitment to the overall health and well-being of those who serve and protect the Virginia Beach community.
Sheriff Rocky Holcomb said he is proud to have added Stephens to the fold. “Law enforcement is a demanding profession, and our deputies carry a heavy burden every day. Having a chaplain like Frank Stephens means our people have someone they can turn to for guidance, encouragement and compassion in total confidence,” said Holcomb. “His service, both to our country and now to our deputies, shows his heart for others. We’re proud to have him as part of the VBSO family, ministering to the men and women who serve our community.”
Stephens served as a Chaplain with the Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD) in the Third Precinct and at the Law Enforcement Training Academy, where he interacted with the VBSO’s training staff and deputy sheriff recruits. After realizing that the VBSO did not have a chaplain working every day at the Virginia Beach Correctional Center, he approached Holcomb about the job. Since June 2024, Stephens has worked as a security screener at the Virginia Beach Courthouse.
“My ministry is really to all faiths,” he said. “I want to serve each person in front of me to the best of my abilities. I am a confidential resource for every member of the department.”
Born in Philadelphia, Stephens grew up in a Navy family, moving often. He eventually graduated from high school and joined the Air Force. He left the Air Force to attend college, receiving his bachelor’s degree in marketing and international business from the University of Washington. After college, he returned to military life with the U.S. Marine Corps. For 20 years, Stephens flew F-4 Phantoms. He retired in 1990. Along the way, he continued to pursue academics as seriously as service, earning his master’s degree in human resource management from George Mason University and his Bible degree from Charis Bible College in Woodland Park, Colorado. To read more about Stephens, visit vbso.net .
As part of his new role, Stephens will host a Bible study class starting Oct. 11, at 8 a.m., at London Bridge Baptist Church, 2460 Potters Road, open to both law enforcement, civilians and their families.
Media contact: Public Information Officer Toni Guagenti at TGuagenti@vbso.net , 757-385-8446 or 757-373-5012 .