Ken Stolle will retire after 13 years as Virginia Beach’s sheriff.
Stolle said he hasn’t decided on a retirement date but he’d be taking time off for back surgery. During that time Chief Deputy Rocky Holcomb will take his place.
“This was a difficult decision, but it's time that I focus on my family and make room for the next generation of leadership,” Stolle said in a statement.
Stolle was a sergeant in the sheriff’s department from 1976 to 1987 before entering politics.
After a dozen years in law enforcement, Stolle spent time in the state senate, helping to abolish discretionary parole in Virginia amid 1990s tough-on-crime policies.
Stolle and his siblings have been major players in state and local politics for decades. Two brothers, Chris and Colin, served terms as Virginia Delegate and Commonwealth's Attorney, respectively. His sister is Siobhan Dunnavant, a Republican Senator for Virginia’s 12th District near Richmond.
Holcomb, who’s also a Beach city councilman, will also take over as interim sheriff when Stolle leaves office.
He’ll vacate his council position when that happens, according to the city. A date for a special election for Stolle’s permanent replacement hasn’t been set.
