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Town of Colonial Beach Appoints Greg Deaver as New Chief of Police

Chief Gregory W. Deaver is 20-year veteran of Virginia law enforcement, previously serving the City of Poquoson and Old Dominion University.
After an extensive search and interview process, Town of Colonial Beach has selected Mr. Gregory W. Deaver to serve as the Town's new Chief of Police, to be appointed at the Town Council meeting on February 16.

“I am humbled and honored for the opportunity to serve as Chief of the Colonial Beach Police Department and provide leadership to this  remarkable agency and outstanding staff,” states Chief Deaver.

Deaver, a decorated officer, has 20 years of experience, including supervision of special divisions, in local and campus law enforcement in Virginia, serving the City of Poquoson Police Department and Old Dominion University Police Department.

“Deaver impressed council with many qualities that fit to the needs of our community. A strong leader, his professional qualifications and experience with events and community engagement will serve the department and our citizens both in and off-season,” voiced Town of Colonial Beach Mayor Robin Schick. “A family man, Chief Deaver appreciates and understands small town life and the community approach to policing it requires.”

Chief Gregory W. Deaver is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police, which assisted in the search.

“We extend our appreciation to Dana Schrad, Executive Director of the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police, and to the volunteer Chiefs of Police from throughout the Commonwealth who served on the screening and interview panels,” expressed Town Council Member Tom Moncure.

“The Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police was honored to help the Town with this process, and we are very pleased with the selection of Gregory Deaver as police chief,” said VACP Executive Director Dana Schrad. “We were committed to helping the town select a qualified professional who would be a good fit for the community and the police department. We believe Gregory has the right mix of skills, education and emotional intelligence to be a successful police chief for the town.”

“I look forward to building a strong working relationship with our citizens, town staff, political and community leaders and each member of the Police Department, building upon the successes of Interim Chief Kenneth Miller and the Department,” states Deaver. “It is my intention to be a highly visible, accessible and community-oriented Chief of Police. Together, we will work to provide exceptional levels of customer service while setting the benchmark for excellence.”

BIO: Gregory W. Deaver, Chief of Police

Chief Gregory W. Deaver has 20 years of law enforcement experience in the Commonwealth of Virginia, with much of that time served with the City of Poquoson Police Department. His assignments during his career include Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, School Resource Officer, Patrol Sergeant, Administration Sergeant, Police Planning and Administration Division Lieutenant, Patrol Operations Division Lieutenant, and Support Services Division Lieutenant. Chief Deaver has supervised many specialties, including K-9, Motors, Training, Emergency Communications, Community Engagement, Budgeting, and Grant Writing.

Chief Deaver is a graduate of the Hampton Roads Criminal Justice Training Academy, the Christopher Newport University Leadership Institute, Saint Leo University's Command Officer Management Program Class 16, the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police Professional Executive Leadership School Session 42 at the University of Richmond, and the Federal Bureau of Investigations National Academy 276th Session. Chief Deaver holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice with Honors from Saint Leo University, a Master of Science of Criminal Justice from Saint Leo University, and Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice Education from the University of Virginia.

Chief Deaver is Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services certified as a General Instructor and Firearms Instructor. Chief Deaver has been an instructor for several law enforcement agencies at the department and regional academy levels, including the Hampton Roads Criminal Justice Training Academy and the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police. He has provided leadership and instruction to a great number of supervisors throughout the Commonwealth in Leadership Ethics and Internal Affairs through the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police's First-Line Supervisors and Leaders in Changing Times programs. He is also an Adjunct Professor at Saint Leo University in undergraduate studies in Criminal Justice in the Department of Public Safety.

During Chief Deaver's career, he has received many awards and recognitions, including Employee of the Quarter Award, Mother Against Drunk Driving “Top Cop” of the Year Award, and Crime Line “Top Cop” of the Year Award, as well as many departmental awards for firearms proficiency. Chief Deaver is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police. During his personal time, he enjoys spending time with his family and enjoys outdoor activities such as camping and hunting.

FUTURE VACP CONFERENCE DATES:

Winter Conferences
February 5-7, 2025
February 4-6, 2026
Location for all: Hilton Short Pump (Henrico County)
 
100th Annual
August 24-27, 2025

Location: Williamsburg Lodge

101st Annual
August 30 – September 2, 2026

Location: Hotel Roanoke