Hutcheson Ready To Lead Woodstock Police Department
January 21, 2010 | Virginia News
1st Sgt. Bryan Hutcheson of the Virginia State Police will start his new job as Woodstock's police chief on Feb. 8.
By Pete DeLea
Harrisonburg Daily News-Record
HARRISONBURG - For the last three years, 1st Sgt. Bryan Hutcheson of the Virginia State Police has led an effort to keep Interstate 81 in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County safe for motorists. But now, the 38-year-old will be headed north on that same interstate to Woodstock, where he will become the town's new police chief on Feb. 8. "It's a great opportunity," he said. "It's a wonderful town right in the heart of the Valley."
Hutcheson started his career with the state police 15 years ago, and has moved around Virginia five times. In summer 2006, he was assigned to the Harrisonburg area, where he typically supervises 10 or so troopers. Hutcheson said his family fell in love with the Shenandoah Valley, and will continue to live in the Broadway area after he takes the Woodstock position. "We realized quickly this is the best place we've ever lived," he explained. Hutcheson, who will leave the state police on Feb. 5, was offered the job Tuesday. "It's going to be a challenge but I feel like I can get the job done," he said. Woodstock Town Manager Larry Bradford said a four-person panel interviewed five finalists and Hutcheson was the unanimous choice. "He has a good background and education," Bradford said. "We thought he had a lot to offer to the community." Hutcheson, who will earn $76,500 a year, replaces outgoing Chief Jerry Miller, who retired Dec. 30 after about 25 years as the town's top cop. "I'm going to have some big shoes to fill," Hutcheson said. "[Miller] wouldn't have been around as long as he was if he wasn't good." Hutcheson said his replacement hasn't been named yet. Contact Pete DeLea at 574-6278 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) Photo by Nikki FoxNext entry: Newport News crime drops for fourth consecutive year
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