About Sheriff Ken Stolle

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As one of six children in a Navy family, Sheriff Ken Stolle grew up in and out of the Hampton Roads area. In 1971, the Stolle family permanently settled in Virginia Beach, where Ken graduated from Cox High School. Ken is serving his second term as Sheriff of Virginia Beach, after having been elected in 2009 and 2013. He previously served in the Virginia Senate as the Republican Leader Pro Tempore and represented the 8th Senatorial District, located in the eastern half of Virginia Beach.

Prior to being elected to the Senate in 1991, Ken was a partner with the Virginia Beach law firm of Bennett and Stolle, P.C. He was a sergeant in the Virginia Beach Police Department, where he served from 1976 until 1987. He also served as an intelligence officer in the United States Naval Reserve. Over the past decade, Ken has been the leading advocate for public safety at the state and local levels.

As a member of the Senate, Ken championed stricter penalties for gang activity, abolished parole and enhanced DUI penalties. As chairman of the Crime Commission, Ken sponsored new legislation to strengthen Virginia’s sex offender monitoring laws. He led the charge for increased retirement benefits for state and local police officers, deputy sheriffs and firefighters and supported improvements to the Line of Duty Act in order to make certain the children and spouses of fallen or disabled public safety officers are appropriately cared for.

He carried landmark measures to support small business, protect the consumer and eliminate and cut taxes. He supported education, including by ensuring K-12 was fully funded.

The Virginia Sheriffs’ Association, Fraternal Order of Police, Campus Law Enforcement Administrators, Chiefs of Police and State Police Association have recognized Ken with their highest awards.

In his spare time, Ken enjoys hunting and is chairman of the Virginia Sportsmen’s Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that offers the opportunity for Wounded Warriors and military veterans to continue their rehabilitation in the great outdoors. He and his wife Debbie have three children - Whitney, Kenny and Ross - and three grandchildren.


Recognition of Sheriff Stolle's service to Virginia

2015
Meyera E. Oberndorf Human Rights Award for Achievement in Government — "For outstanding service in creating a more inclusive community"

2012
Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Leadership Award for Excellence in Public Services

2007-2010
Member of the Board of Directors Virginia Public Safety Foundation

2009
Virginia Sheriffs' Association — "Outstanding Legislator of the Year"
Virginia Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators — "Outstanding Legislator of the Year"
Virginia State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police — "Senator of the Year
Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police — "Outstanding Legislator of the Year"

2007
Virginia State Police Association — “Senator of the Year”
Virginia Bar Association — "Distinguished Service Award" 

2006
Virginia State Police Association — "Senator of the Year"
Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police — "Outstanding Legislator of the Year"
Virginia State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police — "Senator of the Year"
Virginia Sheriffs' Association — "Outstanding Legislator of the Year"

2005
Virginia Beach Career and Technical Education — "Legislator of the Year"  

2004
Virginia Beach Education Association — "Friend of Education Award"
Virginia Independent Auto Dealers' Association — "Free Enterprise Award"
Virginia Thoroughbred Association — "Award of Merit"
Virginia State Crime Clinic — "For Dedication to Public Safety"
Virginia School Board Association — "Legislative Award of Excellence"

2003
Retail Merchants Association of Virginia — "Legislator of the Year"

2002
Virginia Cable Telecommunications Association — "Legislator of the Year"

2001
Virginia Public Safety Foundation — "Distinguished Public Safety Award"
Virginia State Police Association — "Richard J. Holland Distinguished Service Award"

1999
Virginia Sheriffs' Association — "Outstanding Legislator of the Year"

1996
Virginia State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police — "Senator of the Year"

1992
Virginia State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police — "Senator of the Year"