Clark Palmer
RICHMOND—Governor Ralph Northam issued the following statement today after he deployed members of the Virginia National Guard and Virginia State Police to respond to events in Washington, D.C.
“I have been working all afternoon and this evening with leaders in Washington D.C., the Virginia National Guard, Virginia State Police, and others in the federal government.
“The violence we saw at the U.S. Capitol today was nothing short of an armed insurrection and a humiliating assault on American democracy. The President incited this mob with his refusal to accept the lawful results of a fair and secure election. And the members of Congress who have enabled him—and continue to encourage and praise his efforts—bear just as much responsibility.
“This did not come about overnight. When elected leaders purposefully reject facts and fan the flames of conspiracy theories, all in pursuit of power, they are taking dangerous steps. And now we are seeing where those steps can lead. God forbid we experience anything worse.
“I continue to pray for the safety of every member of the House and Senate, all the staff, the journalists, everyone who works in the Capitol. And I commend the Virginia National Guard and Virginia State Police for quickly stepping up in this time of great need.”
“Let me be clear: Virginia will be there for as long as it takes to protect our nation’s capital and ensure the peaceful transition of power.”
Princess Blanding the sister of Marcus-David Peters, a 24-year-old high school biology teacher who was fatally shot by a Richmond police officer while experiencing a mental health crisis, announced her candidacy for next year’s gubernatorial race. Earlier this month, Blanding denounced Governor Northam and lawmakers as they signed legislation named after Peters that requires a greater mental health component in future police responses.
Blanding, who running under the banner of the newly formed Liberation Party, says the bill didn’t go far enough
A project by student at an area college is looking to highlight the problem of food insecurity and is suggesting ways his peers could give back. WFIR’s Clark Palmer has this In-Depth Report.
Authorities are investigating after nine cars reportedly derailed from a Norfolk Southern train leaving the Roanoke railyard this morning. No injuries have been reported at this time. Personnel and contractors are there to assess damage and begin moving the cars.
Mark Herring
Virginia Democratic Attorney General Mark Herring today formally announced he is running for re-election. In a video posted online, Herring spoke about his record defending health care and Virginia’s coronavirus safety measures in court.
Herring will face off with Norfolk Delegate Jay Jones in the Democratic primary. Virginia Beach Delegate Jason Miyares has announced he’s running on the Republican side.
An area political analyst says a key argument behind a lawsuit challenging Joe Biden’s apparent victories in four states, has been used in another high profile election case. WFIR’s Clark Palmer has that story.
Chief Steve Simon
From Roanoke County Fire and Rescue Department: Roanoke County Fire & Rescue Chief Stephen G. Simon today announced he will be retiring, effective March 1, 2021. Simon notified County Administrator Daniel O’Donnell last week.“I have been blessed to serve the community as a member of the Roanoke County Fire & Rescue Department, and privileged to have had the opportunity to lead the organization,” said Simon. “I am grateful to the men and women of the Department who provide the exceptional service our citizens have come to expect.” “Steve has had a long and distinguished career in public service,” said O’Donnell. “He is to be commended for his dedication to the profession and to serving the citizens of Roanoke County. We will miss his leadership and guidance but wish him well in the next phase of life.”Simon has served as Roanoke County’s Fire & Rescue Chief since July 2015. He began his service with Roanoke County in 1994 as a Paramedic/Firefighter for the department. He was promoted up through the ranks from Fire Lieutenant, EMS Captain, Battalion Chief, and Deputy Chief.Prior to joining the County, Simon was employed by Roanoke City as a paramedic and began his career in Prince William County at the Dale City Volunteer Fire Department in 1986. Simon has served as adjunct faculty for Jefferson College of Health Sciences, Hampton University and Radford University. Simon has served on multiple regional, state and federal committees for the betterment of Fire-EMS services for Roanoke County. Simon also served on the board of the Western Virginia EMS Council for 17 years representing Roanoke County. An interim Chief will be named in the coming months.###
Fabricio Drumond
Press Release: The Town of Vinton is pleased to announce the appointment of Fabricio D. Drumond as its next Police Chief. His first day in the new role will be December 1, 2020. Drumond has served as the Interim Police Chief since July 21st, assuming the role after former Police Chief Thomas L. Foster left the town to become the United States Marshal for the Western District of Virginia.
Chief Drumond first joined the town in 2009 as an Officer and was promoted to Deputy Police Chief in 2016. Prior to joining the town, he worked for the Roanoke Police Department where he began his Law Enforcement career in 2006. He graduated in 2000 from Maynard High School in Maynard, Massachusetts and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps shortly thereafter and served until 2006. During his time in the United States Marines, Drumond was meritoriously promoted to Private First Class, Lance Corporal, and Corporal and the final rank of Sergeant. He has a multidisciplinary Bachelor’s Degree specializing in both Criminal Justice and Business cognitive and a Master’s Degree in National Security, both from Liberty University.
Drumond is grateful for his new role as Chief of Police, “It is a great honor and privilege to serve as the Chief of Police for Town of Vinton. Together, as a community we will continue to fortify the relationship with our residents and the people we serve. United, our destiny for success and safe community will be unshakable. I take great pride in having the privilege to serve amongst the men and women of the Vinton Police Department who have an unwavering passion towards the dedication of service to our wonderful community.”
During Drumond’s tenure with Vinton he has obtained several Law Enforcement specialties, such as Field Training Officer, General Instructor, TASER Instructor, and actively trained Law Enforcement recruits in both formal classroom instruction and officer survival applications. He has been the recipient of Drug recognition Awards, personal and unit citations, Leadership awards, and Officer of the Year and has attended several critical leadership and management courses, most notably by the
Richard Peters Jr
The Town of Vinton is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard W. “Pete” Peters, Jr. as its next Town Manager. His first day in the new role will be January 1, 2021. Peters has served as the Acting Town Manager since August 1, assuming the role shortly after former Town Manager, Barry Thompson, announced his retirement effective December 31, 2020. Peters has more than 20 years of experience in local government including the City of Roanoke and Botetourt County.
Peters first joined the town in 2015 as Assistant Town Manager/Director of Economic Development. He is a 1993 graduate of William Byrd High School. Peters has an undergraduate degree from Ferrum College in Recreation and Leisure Services and a Graduate Certificate in Local Government Management from Virginia Tech, a program co-sponsored by the Virginia Local Government Management Association.
Peters is excited about the new role, “I am truly honored to have been selected as Vinton’s next Town Manager. It has been my pleasure to work with Town Council, staff, business owners and residents during my first five years here and I look forward to continuing those relationships in this new role.” Peters says his ties to the Vinton community make this job special, “Having grown up and attended high school in this community, I am very grateful for the opportunity to help shape the services that we provide to our citizens and help direct the future development activities throughout the town.”
Peters’ tenure with Vinton has seen many successful projects. He has played a key role in the town receiving and managing numerous state and federal grants, including overseeing a Community Development Block Grant to assist with revitalization efforts and develop business support programs for the town’s downtown business district. Other major roles include assisting with the redevelopment of numerous properties including the former Vinton Motors property at Vinyard Station, Lancelot Sports Complex, Gish Mill, Roland E. Cook Lofts, Billy Byrd Apartments, Vinton Macado’s and the recruitment of Rosie’s Gaming Emporium. Peters is also active in the community representing the Town of Vinton on numerous regional boards including the Roanoke