Sheriff Williams announces retirement
By Susan Nienow CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Elli Morris/Chesterfield Observer Sheriff Clarence Williams will retire on Feb. 1 after 37 years of service in law enforcement.

After 37 years of service as a police officer and sheriff in Chesterfield County, Clarence Williams has announced his retirement effective Feb. 1.

A circuit court judge will appoint a replacement for Williams until voters choose a new sheriff during next November’s election.

During a recent interview, Williams said he’s proud of the sheriff department’s many accomplishments during his four terms. When he took office after a special election in 1990, he said the county needed a new jail. “It took 14 years, but we did it,” he stated, adding that the old jail had “the worst working conditions of any place in the county.”

The sheriff’s department provides security at the county’s courthouses and operates the jail. Deputies also serve court papers and civil processes.

When asked about the highlights of his career, Williams deflected the question and said, “The most moving experience I’ve ever had was one about participation.” During a Special Olympics competition, Williams recalls watching nine children in a race. When one runner fell and started crying, the other eight children stopped and helped him up before they all crossed the finish line together. (Williams is a huge supporter of the Special Olympics and served as chairman of the Special Olympics of Virginia one year.)

Proffitt

He gives credit to the department and county officials for the milestones during his terms as sheriff. The department has gone from 135 deputies in 1990 when Williams became sheriff to 286 deputies today. Williams established a sheriff’s academy so his deputies are trained as police officers. They can stand in for police officers whenever needed.

Williams integrated HIPP – Honesty, Integrity, Pride and Professionalism – into every aspect of the department. He wanted people to work with him and not for him.

Williams spearheaded the establishment of inmate workforces, saving the county from $200,000 to $300,000 each year. Two workforces are assigned to Lucy Corr Village, two to the Parks and Recreation Department, one to the county and one to roads. Inmates who serve their time on weekends beautify schools and libraries.

One of the most prestigious accomplishments in Williams’ long career is serving on State Senator Ken Stolle’s Criminal Sentencing Commission – Truth in Sentencing.

When asked why he is retiring, the 69-yearold Williams reflected a moment and said, “I want a life of my own.” He is looking forward to golfing with his new wife and friends and making trips to North Carolina to see his grandson wrestle in tournaments. Another grandson is serving with the Marines in Iraq.

He also plans to work on his farm and visit the sheriff’s office and his friends in the county.

Looking back on his career, Williams said he always wanted to be in law enforcement. When he was much younger, he applied to be a state trooper but did not meet the height requirements that were previously in place.

So while working in the private sector, he joined the Chesterfield Special Police, a volunteer organization. As time went by, he was spending as many hours volunteering for the special police as he did at his regular job. Finally, he took a 50 percent pay cut and went to work for the Chesterfield County Police Department. He worked his way up the ranks, attending both Drug Enforcement Officers Academy and the FBI National Academy before resigning as commander of Vice and Narcotics.

Williams said he’s glad his father, who was chief deputy for the sheriff’s department, lived long enough to see him sworn into office in 1990.

Williams successfully ran for sheriff five times. He was elected to his current four-year term in 2003.

Williams is supporting Lieutenant Colonel Dennis Proffitt in his run for the sheriff’s job. Proffitt is currently serving as the department’s second in command. “He worked in Vice and Narcotics with me [in the police department]. He is the greatest asset that I could possibly have gotten [for the sheriff’s department],” said Williams.

Proffitt said, “I am running because Clarence Williams has created an outstanding department. He has laid the foundation for the department. He always had a vision. I want to take it to the next level.”