New Roanoke Police Chief debuts during challenging times Gene Marrano April 3, 2020 1 minute read File Roanoke Police photo The new Chief of Police as of this past Monday in Roanoke steps into that role at a challenging time in the city’s history. But Sam Roman Jr. is no stranger here as WFIR’s Gene Marrano reports: Share: Post navigation Previous: Homestead Creamery recalls unsalted butter due to possible health concernsNext: Pandemic or not, animal rescue transports continue on I-81 Related Stories United Way of Virginia’s Blue Ridge helps fund new nature trail signs in Rocky Mount Gene Marrano June 24, 2026 More Romeo & Juliet, new exhibit at Wilson Museum, Broadway in Roanoke releases schedule for 26-27 season Gene Marrano June 24, 2026 Feeding Southwest Virginia President and CEO Pamela Irvine will retire at the end of the year after 45 years with the Food Bank Gene Marrano June 24, 2026