VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — The Virginia Sheriffs’ Association presented the 2026 awards for Deputy Sheriff of the Year, Dispatcher of the Year, and Valor Awards at a ceremony on Sept. 15 at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront Marriott.
“The stories behind these awards show what service above self looks like in practice,” said John W. Jones, Executive Director of the Virginia Sheriffs’ Association. “This year’s honorees stepped forward during demanding and dangerous moments, bringing skill, compassion, and resolve to people who needed them. We are proud to recognize their contributions and deeply grateful for the difference they have made in their communities.”
The 2026 Deputy Sheriff of the Year Award went to Robbie Burnette with the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office. Burnette led an investigation in an Oct. 2022 death case where he discovered that it was a homicide by finding patterns of stalking, deception, and lies from the victim’s ex-boyfriend, who was charged in Aug. 2025…