HANOVER - Key Persons

Job Titles:

• Member of the Sheriff and Executive Staff
• Sheriff

Sheriff David R. Hines has been a member of the law enforcement community in Hanover County, Virginia, since 1984. A 30+ year community advocate, Sheriff Hines was elected to his current office in 2010 after serving as Lieutenant Colonel of the Sheriff's Office as well as in many other progressive positions throughout his career. He was born and raised locally and is a graduate of the Richmond Regional Criminal Justice Center at the University of Richmond and the 195 th Session of the FBI's National Academy. Sheriff Hines began his career as a Deputy Sheriff of Uniform Patrol Operations in 1984, a position he served in until 1985. Showing incredible promise and potential, Sheriff Hines was recognized regularly by his commanders and progressed through the ranks of the agency. Throughout his career, Sheriff Hines has served Hanover County in the following capacities: Investigator assigned to Vice/Narcotics Unit (1985-1991); Sergeant assigned to Patrol Operations (1991); Sergeant assigned to Vice/Narcotics Unit (1991-1994); Sergeant assigned to Internal Affairs Unit (1994-1995); Lieutenant assigned to Professional Standards Division (1995-1996); Lieutenant of Special Investigative Operations (1996-1997); Captain assigned to Investigative Division (1997-2002); Major assigned to Field Operations (2002-2003); Lieutenant Colonel (2003-2010); and Colonel/Sheriff (2010-Present). Remaining committed to the highest standards within the law enforcement profession, Sheriff Hines is currently responsible for the overall operations of the Sheriff's Office, which provides law enforcement services to a county comprising 471 square miles and a population of 104,124 residents. He directs 207 law enforcement deputies, 23 court service deputies, and 25 non-sworn professionals as of 2015. The Sheriff's Office is both state and internationally accredited, making Hanover County one of only a few jurisdictions in the State of Virginia to have such a distinction. Sheriff Hines has led the agency to successfully achieve accreditation by the Virginia Law Enforcement and Professional Standards Commission (VLEPSC) for the fifth time. Moreover, Sheriff Hines' leadership has allowed the Hanover County Sheriff's Office to achieve the highest assessment and an award of "Excellence" with Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies With a dedication to fighting crime and reducing the overall crime rate within the county, Sheriff Hines has been credited with implementing the Crime Management Initiative (CMI) Program. This program actively engages members of Patrol, Investigations, and the Crime Prevention units and analyzes crime trends in order to develop solutions to current or projected issues in Hanover County as well as surrounding geographic areas. Sheriff Hines has provided the highest level of leadership and public service to the residents of the county. Committed to excellence, he has been instrumental in improving public safety measures and preventing crime from occurring across the region. Sheriff Hines has been recognized by Virginia Governors McDonnell (R) and McAuliffe (D) for his service and expertise. He was appointed to the Governor's Task Force on Prescription Drug and Heroin Abuse as well as the Governor's Board of Juvenile Justice-two initiatives focused on improving life for all Commonwealth citizens. Moreover, Sheriff Hines has been key in elevating the profile of Hanover County nationwide. He was acknowledged by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, an event which culminated in the presentation of an award for leadership during the search for missing child Robert Wood, Jr. Sheriff Hines' direction and ability to deploy resources in an effective and efficient manner resulted in the young child being safely reunited with his family. Most recently, for his homeland security and anti-terrorism efforts, Sheriff Hines was recognized by Homeland Security Today with the 2019 Excellence in Outreach (Local) Award. Sheriff Hines was selected in July 2020 as the American Legion (Virginia) Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. On a local level, Sheriff Hines has exercised sound judgment and implemented innovative concepts to benefit the county's law enforcement endeavors. Focused on exceptional service to the public good, he has built and strengthened community partnerships with faith-based, non-profit, and corporate organizations, at all times striving to inspire confidence and respect amongst citizens and aiming to position the agency as a model of excellence. Sheriff Hines was born in Richmond and has resided in Hanover since the age of 8. Colonel Hines and his family worship at Mechanicsville Baptist Church, where he serves on the Board of Deacons. He is also a 32 nd degree Mason at Washington Henry Lodge, #344, A.F. & A.M. and Metropolitan Lodge #11 A.F. & A.M. He and his wife Pat have been happily married since 1978. They have two children and currently reside in Hanover County.

Job Titles:

• Sheriff and Executive Staff

Major Flagg joined the Hanover County Sheriff's Office in July of 1995. As a deputy, he worked on all of the patrol shifts with the majority of his service being on Evening Shift. He served as a field training officer, Crash Team member, and became an instructor of police tactics and firearms under the Department of Criminal Justice Services. In 2002, Major Flagg was promoted to sergeant. As a sergeant and as he was appointed to Lieutenant and later Captain, Major Flagg worked in the Patrol and Administrative Divisions as well as in the office of Professional Standards and Risk Management. In these assignments, he has contributed in the development of countless programs, to include the development of training and policy. As a lieutenant, he led the effort to establish an independent training academy certified by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services and served as its first Academy Director. He has supervised numerous research programs and worked on the deployment of new technologies such as our body worn camera systems and other forms of equipment and processes, to better enable our officers to serve our community. In conjunction with his other duties and assignments, Major Flagg served 16 years on our High Risk Entry Team in various capacities to include team leader. He has received numerous awards to include Dedication to Duty, Excellent Service, Medal of Valor and the agency's Purple Heart. Major Flagg graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science, Criminal Justice, from Virginia Commonwealth University. He has attended Virginia Tech's Institute for Leadership in Changing Times, the University of Richmond's Police Executive Leadership Seminar, as well as courses offered through the Southern Police Institute at the University of Louisville and the Command Institute for Law Enforcement Executives (FBINAA). In 2021, Major Flagg successfully completed the Law Enforcement Executive Program through the University of North Carolina. Major Flagg is a life-long citizen of Hanover County. He met his wife at and graduated from Patrick Henry High School. He and his wife reside in the Beaverdam district of Hanover County where they have worked together to raise their three children. Since February of 2020, Major Flagg has been responsible for the Investigative Division.

Job Titles:

• Sheriff and Executive Staff

Major Kenny B. Epling began his law enforcement career in September 1992 when he was hired by the Sheriff's Office. After graduating from the academy, he was assigned to the patrol division, where he worked all three shifts as a patrol deputy. During his time as a patrol deputy, he was a member of the crash reconstruction (Crash) team, investigating deadly and near-fatal motor vehicle crashes, a field training officer, a background investigator, designated shift supervisor/deputy-in-charge in the absence of a shift sergeant, as well as an acting sergeant. He was recognized as Officer of the Month many times, received several Mother's Against Drunk Driving (MADD) awards and received many commendations for excellent police work from judges, prosecutors, and citizens. In July 1997, Major Epling was promoted to sergeant and transferred to the Investigative Division, where he supervised the Vice/Narcotics Unit until his promotion to lieutenant in July 2002. In October 2002, he was assigned as the DC Beltway Sniper Task Force Coordinator at the Richmond FBI Headquarters after a victim of John Allen Muhammad and Lee Boyd Malvo's deadly terror rampage was shot in Hanover County. He directed hundreds of federal, state and local officers, as well as coordinated with many departments and two task forces in Northern Virginia and Maryland, to help bring the deadly reign of terror to an end when they were both arrested on October 24, 2002. In October 2003, Major Epling was transferred to the Patrol Division where he served as a shift commander on all three shifts until his promotion to captain in April 2015, where he led the Patrol Division until his transfer to the Investigative Division in December 2018. While there, he led the entire division until an additional captain was added in February 2020, at which time he commanded the General Investigations Unit until his promotion to Major in May 2021. Major Epling graduated cum laude from Concord College in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and received his Associate Degree from Southern West Virginia Community College in 1988. During his law enforcement career, he has had the opportunity to attend numerous professional leadership schools. He is a graduate of the University of Richmond Professional Executive Leadership School, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Washington Division, Narcotics Commander Leadership Program, the Virginia Tech Institute for Leadership in Changing Times, and most recently, the FBI National Academy, Session # 279 at Quantico, Virginia. Major Epling is a military veteran, serving 7 years in Army Aviation with the West Virginia Army National Guard (1984-1991) and was a public school teacher for two years before being hired by the Sheriff's Office in 1992. He currently serves as a major for Sheriff Hines and oversees the Patrol Division. Major Epling and his wife April live in Mechanicsville and have five adult children. He enjoys spending time with family, traveling, camping, motorcycle riding and fishing.

Job Titles:

• Sheriff and Executive Staff

Major Dandridge began his career with the Sheriff's Office in September 1981, when he was hired as a patrol deputy. In March 1987, he was assigned to the Investigative Division, where he investigated drug, prostitution and gambling offenses. After four years as an undercover vice/narcotics officer, he moved to General Investigations, where he managed and investigated criminal cases, processed crime scenes, and followed up on major crimes. Following this, he was assigned to the schools, serving as both a school resource officer and a DARE officer. Major Dandridge was promoted to the rank of sergeant in 1994 and assigned to the Patrol Division supervising the patrol shifts. In 1996 he was transferred to Investigations, where he supervised both the Street Crimes Unit and Vice/Narcotics Unit. He was promoted to the rank of command sergeant in 1997 and reassigned to the Patrol Division. In October 2003, Major Dandridge was promoted to the rank of lieutenant, once again in Investigations. He returned to Patrol in March 2006, supervising and coordinating daily assignments for Midnight Shift. Major Dandridge was promoted to captain in September 2010, where he oversaw the Vice/Narcotics and Criminal Intelligence Units. In January 2012, he moved to the Administrative Division, where he oversaw Court Services, Criminal Intelligence, Personnel and Training, Records, Evidence, Budget and Finance, IT, Crime Prevention, and Planning and Research. In April 2015, he began serving as Captain of Special Operations, which oversees Youth Services, all special teams and special operations, and the Animal Control Unit. In September 2018, he returned to Administration. Major Dandridge has served in not only every division, but nearly every unit of the Sheriff's Office at some time in his career. Major Dandridge received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Organizational Management from St. Paul's College in 1998, graduating cum laude. He received an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Administration of Justice from J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College in 1996, also graduating cum laude. He has completed many specialized supervisory training schools, including the National Criminal Justice Command College, the Professional Executive Leadership School and, most recently, the Administrative Officers Course through the Southern Police Institute at the University of Louisville, Kentucky. He has received multiple awards in his law enforcement career, including Officer of the Year (1990), The Bronze Valor Award (2001), the Silver Star (2001), the Unit Citation (Midnight Shift, 2008) and several Dedication to Duty awards. He has played an integral role in Special Olympics Virginia, Crime Stoppers, the Mechanicsville Ruritan Club, and the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, to name just a few. He was instrumental in the research and implementation of the Records Management System, Mobile CAD, and Mobile Field Reporting systems currently being utilized by the Sheriff's Office. Major Dandridge resides in Hanover, Virginia. He has two grown children, Kaitlin and Michael. He is a licensed, instrument-rated pilot and an avid motorcycle enthusiast, whose other hobbies including boating, fishing, camping, hiking, golf, woodworking, family and friends.

Sheriff Hines began his career as a Deputy Sheriff of Uniform Patrol Operations in 1984, a position he served in until 1985. Showing incredible promise and potential, Sheriff Hines was recognized regularly by his commanders and progressed through the ranks of the agency. Throughout his career, Sheriff Hines has served Hanover County in the following capacities: Investigator assigned to Vice/Narcotics Unit (1985-1991); Sergeant assigned to Patrol Operations (1991); Sergeant assigned to Vice/Narcotics Unit (1991-1994); Sergeant assigned to Internal Affairs Unit (1994-1995); Lieutenant assigned to Professional Standards Division (1995-1996); Lieutenant of Special Investigative Operations (1996-1997); Captain assigned to Investigative Division (1997-2002); Major assigned to Field Operations (2002-2003); Lieutenant Colonel (2003-2010); and Colonel/Sheriff (2010-Present). Remaining committed to the highest standards within the law enforcement profession, Sheriff Hines is currently responsible for the overall operations of the Sheriff's Office, which provides law enforcement services to a county comprising 471 square miles and a population of 104,124 residents. He directs 207 law enforcement deputies, 23 court service deputies, and 25 non-sworn professionals as of 2015. The Sheriff's Office is both state and internationally accredited, making Hanover County one of only a few jurisdictions in the State of Virginia to have such a distinction. Sheriff Hines has led the agency to successfully achieve accreditation by the Virginia Law Enforcement and Professional Standards Commission (VLEPSC) for the fifth time. Moreover, Sheriff Hines' leadership has allowed the Hanover County Sheriff's Office to achieve the highest assessment and an award of "Excellence" with Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). With a dedication to fighting crime and reducing the overall crime rate within the county, Sheriff Hines has been credited with implementing the Crime Management Initiative (CMI) Program. This program actively engages members of Patrol, Investigations, and the Crime Prevention units and analyzes crime trends in order to develop solutions to current or projected issues in Hanover County as well as surrounding geographic areas. Sheriff Hines has been recognized on the state level by both Governor McDonnell (R) and Governor McAuliffe (D) for his service and expertise. He was appointed to the Governor's Board of Juvenile Justice in 2013 and the Governor's Task Force on Prescription Drug and Heroin Abuse in 2014-two committees to which he continues to deliver representation in order to improve life for all Commonwealth citizens. Additionally, Sheriff Hines has been key in elevating the profile of the Hanover County Sheriff's Office on a national level. He was recognized and acknowledged by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children for his leadership during the 2011 search for Robert Wood, Jr., a missing autistic child. Through Sheriff Hines' key decisiveness, strategic execution, and resource deployment, the eight-year-old was safely recovered and reunited with his family. The effort involved hundreds of first responders, thousands of volunteers, and massive amounts of resources as well as garnered support from a large number of agencies, organizations, and individuals across all levels of government and the private sector over the course of six days-ultimately leading to his being presented with an award for his leadership in attaining a positive end result. Sheriff Hines has also been commended by a number of organizations for his involvement in implementing proactive and innovative programs and processes in the Sheriff's Office. He has been recognized through the following: 2020 American Legion (Virginia) Law Enforcement Officer of the Year; Meritorious Service Award; Certificate of Merit; Sheriff's Challenge Coin; NACO Award Winning Crime Management Initiative (CMI) Program; Dedication to Duty Award; Excellent Service Award; and Safe Driver Award. He was a recognized attendee at the Annual Congressional Breakfast for Law Enforcement Professionals in 2012, received the Governor of Virginia's Award for Narcotics Enforcement, and was heralded by the Savannah Police Department with a Certificate of Merit for Collaborative Work for his successful ability to engage across state lines as well as police departments when handling and resolving crime-related matters. Continually committed to the best in professional development and education, Sheriff Hines has attended hundreds of hours of specialized training in the fields of Investigations, Search and Seizure, Terrorism, Civil Liability, Homeland Security, and Executive Development and Community Policing. He is an avid participant at seminars and conferences and is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the National Sheriffs' Association, the Virginia Association of the Chiefs of Police, the Virginia Sheriffs' Association, and more. He has led as a Past Training Director for the Eastern States Vice Investigations Association and served as the Past Chairman for the Central Virginia Law Enforcement Chief Executives' Association. Colonel Hines and his family worship at Mechanicsville Baptist Church where he serves on the Board of Deacons. He is also a 32 nd degree Mason at Washington Henry Lodge, #344, A.F. & A.M. and Metropolitan Lodge #11 A.F. & A.M. He and his wife Pat have been happily married since 1978. They have two children and currently reside in Hanover County. Following an exemplary career path, Sheriff Hines has remained vigilant, continually exercising sound judgment related to the county's law enforcement endeavors. With a passion for delivering exceptional service to the public good, he has built and strengthened community partnerships with faith-based, non-profit, and corporate organizations while always striving to inspire confidence and respect amongst citizens. Sheriff Hines' leadership has successfully and effectively positioned the Hanover County Sheriff's Office as a model of excellence in the state of Virginia and across the United States. Sheriff Hines has provided the highest level of leadership and public service to the residents of the county. Committed to excellence, he has been instrumental in improving public safety measures and preventing crime from occurring across the region. Sheriff Hines has been recognized by Virginia Governors McDonnell (R) and McAuliffe (D) for his service and expertise. He was appointed to the Governor's Task Force on Prescription Drug and Heroin Abuse as well as the Governor's Board of Juvenile Justice-two initiatives focused on improving life for all Commonwealth citizens. Moreover, Sheriff Hines has been key in elevating the profile of Hanover County nationwide. He was acknowledged by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, an event which culminated in the presentation of an award for leadership during the search for missing child Robert Wood, Jr. Sheriff Hines' direction and ability to deploy resources in an effective and efficient manner resulted in the young child being safely reunited with his family. Most recently, for his homeland security and anti-terrorism efforts, Sheriff Hines was recognized by Homeland Security Today with the 2019 Excellence in Outreach (Local) Award. Sheriff Hines was selected in July 2020 as the American Legion (Virginia) Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. On a local level, Sheriff Hines has exercised sound judgment and implemented innovative concepts to benefit the county's law enforcement endeavors. Focused on exceptional service to the public good, he has built and strengthened community partnerships with faith-based, non-profit, and corporate organizations, at all times striving to inspire confidence and respect amongst citizens and aiming to position the agency as a model of excellence. Sheriff Hines was born in Richmond and has resided in Hanover since the age of 8. Colonel Hines and his family worship at Mechanicsville Baptist Church, where he serves on the Board of Deacons. He is also a 32 nd degree Mason at Washington Henry Lodge, #344, A.F. & A.M. and Metropolitan Lodge #11 A.F. & A.M. He and his wife Pat have been happily married since 1978. They have two children and currently reside in Hanover County.