Chad Rhoads Appointed as Martinsville Chief of Police

The City of Martinsville is pleased to announce the appointment of Chad Rhoads as Chief of Police, effective January 1, 2026.

Chief Rhoads brings over 25 years of service to the Martinsville Police Department, where he currently serves as Acting Chief of Police. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to professional excellence, officer development, and community-focused policing.

Chief Rhoads’ key qualifications and career highlights include:

• Over two decades of progressive leadership, serving as Deputy Chief, Captain, Lieutenant, Sergeant, Criminal Investigator, and Patrol Officer

• VACP Certified Law Enforcement Command Executive and graduate of nationally recognized leadership programs, including the Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute for Police and the VACP and University of Richmond’s Professional Executive Leadership School

• Master of Science in Criminal Justice and Administrative Leadership from Averett University

• Proven experience in policy development, officer training, grant management, and accreditation-focused initiatives

• Recipient of numerous professional honors, including more than 50 letters of commendation and multiple Outstanding Instructor Awards

As Acting Chief, Rhoads has led key initiatives, including the formation of the department’s Peer Support Team and the modernization of departmental policies. He is also an adjunct faculty member at Averett University and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who honorably served as a cryptologic linguist.

“Chief Rhoads has earned the respect of his colleagues and the trust of the community through his integrity, professionalism, and dedication to public service,” said Interim City Manager Rob Fincher. “We are confident he will continue to lead the department with excellence and vision.”

Chief Rhoads will officially assume the role on January 1, 2026.