King George County Sheriff Chris Giles announced during a board of supervisors meeting Tuesday night that he’s retiring after 36 years working in law enforcement.
Giles’ term doesn’t expire until Dec. 31, 2027, but he will retire at the end of this year. He’s petitioned the King George Circuit Court to appoint Maj. Patrick Weston as sheriff to fulfill the final year of his term.
Giles said it’s a tradition for the sitting sheriff to retire one year before their term expires and turn the reins over to their highest-ranking deputy.
“I have complete confidence in Maj. Weston and the deputies who will continue the mission with honor and dedication,” Giles said. “Thank you for allow me to serve, thank you for your trust, thank you for the opportunity to spend my career doing what I believe is one of the most important callings there is.”
Giles, a Johnson City, New York, native who joined the Marine Corps after high school, spent 34 of his 36 years in law enforcement with King George. Before arriving in the county, he served as the Bowling Green Police Department’s town sergeant.
He served two terms as sheriff, winning the election in 2019 over former board supervisor T.C. Collins, before running unopposed in 2023.
“Serving as sheriff has been an honor of a lifetime,” Giles said. “When I first took the oath, I promised I’d own the law, protect the community, and lead with integrity. Every day since, I’ve done my best to keep that promise.”
The sheriff’s office recognized Weston this past April as the first and only King George deputy to earn the Virginia Sheriffs’ Institute Certification through Virginia Commonwealth University’s L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs.
The certification program recognizes continued personal development for Virginia sheriffs and deputies.
King George Board of Supervisors Chair David Sullins said he’s “been dreading this day” but is hopeful for the future of the sheriff’s office.
“We’re excited because I know you’re leaving us in very capable hands,” Sullins said. “So, thank you for the training program that you set up over there. We know we’ll be safe.”
