Virginia Sheriffs Association Presented Annual Awards
The state organization honored top law enforcement officials during a ceremony held in Virginia Beach.
Updated on Oct. 4, 2026 in Law Enforcement
The Virginia Sheriffs' Association held its 2026 annual awards ceremony on September 15, 2026, at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront Marriott. The event recognized outstanding individual contributions from personnel across the state.
Why it matters
The ceremony highlights the dedicated work of individual officers and dispatchers in solving complex cases and managing high-stakes emergency communications. These annual recognitions serve to distinguish those who demonstrated excellence in their respective law enforcement roles.
Robbie Burnette of the Bedford County Sheriff's Office was named Deputy Sheriff of the Year for his investigation into an October 2022 death case where a suspect was charged in August 2025. Jonathan Marsceau of the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office earned Dispatcher of the Year for his actions during a 2025 incident.
The players
Robbie Burnette
He is a deputy with the Bedford County Sheriff's Office who was honored as the 2026 Deputy Sheriff of the Year.
Jonathan Marsceau
He is a dispatcher with the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office who was recognized as the 2026 Dispatcher of the Year.
Virginia Sheriffs' Association
This organization represents the sheriffs of Virginia and provides training, support, and advocacy for law enforcement officials across the state.
The details
Deputy Robbie Burnette identified a homicide through the analysis of stalking, deception, and patterns of lies. Dispatcher Jonathan Marsceau was recognized for his calm demeanor while managing volatile callers during a critical incident in 2025.
Timeline
The death case investigation began in October 2022.
Jonathan Marsceau managed a critical incident in 2025.
A suspect in the death case was officially charged in August 2025.
The Virginia Sheriffs' Association ceremony occurred on September 15, 2026.
Legal Context
The awards ceremony follows the long-standing tradition of the Virginia Sheriffs' Association annual awards program. This event reinforces the established standards for recognizing exceptional performance within the state's diverse county-level law enforcement agencies.
Residents in Bedford and Loudoun counties may see continued local focus on investigation and dispatch training standards following these awards. The recognition reflects the ongoing commitment to safety and professional excellence within the local agencies serving these communities.
The takeaway
Recognizing top-tier performance in law enforcement helps set a benchmark for investigative rigor and emergency response capabilities. These awards emphasize the importance of specialized skills in resolving complex criminal investigations and maintaining public calm during crises.
Further reading
Learn more about local standards in Law Enforcement.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WAVY-TV 10 Hampton Roads.
