Buena Vista Police Chief Retiring Summer 2026

Handley Praised For Restoring Morale, Community Outreach

Buena Vista Police Chief Wayne Handley has announced that he plans to retire from the BVPD at the end of June 2026, marking the end of a 26-year-long career in law enforcement.

Handley told The News-Gazette in an email on November 17 that it has been “an incredible honor to serve the citizens of Buena Vista as chief of police.”

He informed Buena Vista City Manager Jason Tyree of his intention to retire in October and explained that the timeline will give the city time to find its next chief of police and will “allow for a smooth transition and gives the next chief the opportunity to build upon the foundation we began in 2023.”

Handley has served as the city’s chief of police since July 1, 2023, succeeding former chief Richard Hartman who was indicted by a grand jury in December 2022 for one count of misuse of public funds. Hartman pled no contest to the charges in August 2023 as part of a plea agreement and received a two-year suspended sentence.

“Chief Handley stepped into the role during a very difficult time in our history,” Tyree told The News-Gazette. “Officer morale was at an all-time low, yet Chief Handley immediately began rebuilding the department from within. He focused on restoring morale, empowering our officers, and setting a standard for being the best small police department in the state.

“He worked tirelessly to ensure our officers had the tools, training, and equipment they needed, often securing grants so that our citizens would not bear the financial burden,” he added. “In addition, Chief Handley has engaged with numerous groups on issues such as homelessness and drug recovery, further demonstrating his commitment to the well-being of our community.”

Tyree went on to say that Handley “has been an invaluable asset to the city of Buena Vista,” and that, though he was “saddened by the news of his retirement, I wish him nothing but the very best.

“He has served our country, our state, and our city with honor, and we will be forever grateful for his service,” he concluded.

Prior to coming to Buena Vista, Handley served in the Norfolk Police Department for most of his career. He served in many roles and ranks throughout his career, including patrol and enforcement operations, investigations, law enforcement administrations and professional standards, as well as community affairs. He also has a doctorate in mental health counselor education, which he received from Old Dominion University in 2024.

“Although my tenure has been relatively brief, my hope is that both the citizens of Buena Vista and the dedicated officers and staff of the Buena Vista Police Department feel that meaningful steps have been taken to restore trust and build confidence in the department,” Handley said. “I want to express my deepest gratitude to the officers and staff of the Buena Vista Police Department. Their professionalism, resilience, and commitment to serving this community have been the cornerstone of every success we’ve achieved together. It has been a privilege to lead such an exceptional team.”

Handley told The News-Gazette that he plans to remain in the area and will continue serving the numerous community organizations he’s already involved with and to focus on mental health issues in the community.

“Community service is part of who I am, and that commitment will not end here,” he said. “However, after 26 years in uniform, it is time to pass the torch to the next generation of leaders. I look forward to watching their success with great anticipation and continued pride in our community.”

Source: https://www.thenews-gazette.com/article/12449,bv-police-chief-retiring-next-summer