From Roanoke County: Sheriff Mike Winston announced Wednesday his retirement, effective October 31, 2014. Winston submitted his resignation to Board Chairman Joe McNamara. “I am grateful to the citizens of Roanoke County for their strong support and for electing me as their sheriff,” said Winston. “I have had considerable support from the staff of the sheriff’s office as we worked together to accomplish many goals. Most notably, we gained state and national accreditations; established a Jail Management/Civil Process System; heightened courthouse security; developed a volunteer program for citizens; and utilized inmate work crews to clean the major roadways in the county, as well as supplement the needs of the Parks and Recreation department. I am truly proud to have worked with such a dedicated group of friends.” At the date of his retirement, Winston will have been employed by Roanoke County for over 44 years, with the last four and a half years serving as sheriff. Winston began his career as a deputy sheriff assigned to the Roanoke County Jail. He moved on from that position to a patrol deputy and progressed through the ranks, also spending time in the criminal investigations division of the sheriff’s office. He was also the sheriff’s office first firearms instructor and served as Special Weapons and Tactics (S.W.A.T.) commander for 10 years. Winston holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from Radford University. Lt. Colonel Charles (Charlie) I. Poff, Jr. will be proposed to the Board of Supervisors as the sheriff’s replacement.
