Sheriff Ken Stolle has made the safety and security of Virginia Beach families his top priority, serving as:
- A Virginia Beach Police Officer and Supervisor, Narcotics Detective, SWAT Team Leader, and Tactical Team Sergeant.
- A Lieutenant in the U.S. Naval Reserve, designated as a Special Agent assigned to the Naval Investigative Service.
- A State Senator, leading efforts to abolish parole for violent criminals, establishing the “Three Strikes and You’re Out” rule, and putting in place truth-in-sentencing.
- The Chair of the Senate Finance Public Safety Subcommittee, overseeing Virginia’s near $2 Billion-a-year public safety budget.
- The Chair of the Crime Commission, fighting for enhanced penalties for drunk drivers, sex offenders, drug dealers and domestic violence perpetrator.
- Sheriff of Virginia Beach, committed to bringing about changes and efficiencies that not only keep our families’ safety in tact but also make the Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office one of the best-run facilities in Virginia.
““Stolle, a Republican, is a problem-solver, a deal-cutter, a weaver of consensus. His direct, plainspoken style has earned him a reputation as an honest broker with Republicans and Democrats.”
— The Virginian-Pilot”
A Record of Leadership
Navy Family
Ken was born into a large Navy family of six children; five boys and one girl.
Cox High Graduate
Ken graduated from Virginia Beach’s Cox High School.
Criminal justice degree
Ken earned an Interdisciplinary B.S. degree in Criminal Justice from Berry College in Rome, Georgia.
Virginia Beach Police Department
Ken joined the Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD) and served from 1976 to 1987. As a member of the VBPD, Ken served as a Patrolman, Narcotics Detective, SWAT Team Leader, and Tactical Team Sergeant. On the VBPD, he was awarded the Silver Star for Bravery, Medal of Merit and the Silver Cross for Bravery.
U.S. Naval Reserve Intelligence Officer
Ken was commissioned in the U.S. Naval Reserve serving in Naval Intelligence to help in President Ronald Reagan’s Drug Interdiction efforts. As a Lieutenant in the USNR, Ken was assigned to the Naval Investigative Service to assist with foreign counter-intelligence, where he was designated as a Special Agent.
Law Practice
Ken completed the Virginia Law Reader Program, passed the Virginia State Bar and became a licensed attorney. He left the police department in 1987 to practice law full time.
GOP Chairman
Ken was elected the Chairman of the Virginia Beach Republican Party.
5-term State Senator
Ken was elected to his first term in the Virginia Senate. He was elected without opposition an additional 4 terms in 1995, 1999, 2003 and 2007. As a member of the Senate leadership, Ken was the Majority Whip and the Republican Leader Pro Tempore. He chaired the Senate Courts of Justice Committee, the Crime Commission and the Senate Finance Public Safety Subcommittee.
Virginia Beach Sheriff
Ken was elected sheriff of Virginia Beach with over 70 percent of the vote. He was re-elected without opposition in 2013. He is running for re-election in 2017.