John Clair Hired as Next Blacksburg Police Chief
The Town of Blacksburg announced today that John Clair will become the next Chief of Police for the Town of Blacksburg. Clair will lead the nationally accredited department of 70 sworn officers and 12 civilians, succeeding Chief Todd Brewster, when he retires July 1.
Clair most recently served as Chief of Police in Marion, Virginia, where he led a comprehensive department transformation, overseeing a $2.1 million budget and a team of 22 sworn officers. Under his leadership, Marion saw a 35% reduction in overall crime, the launch of community engagement programs focusing on local and regional media, area youth, and vulnerable populations. He also implemented significant advancements in officer wellness and career development programs during his tenure.
Prior to his service in Marion, Clair served as Chief of Police in Quantico, Virginia, where he was instrumental in restoring organizational integrity and launching new public safety initiatives. He also served as an officer with the Prince William County and Dumfries Police Departments and held protective service roles with the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of State. A veteran of the U.S. Army, Clair served as a Military Police Sergeant in the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard).
Chief Clair has a Bachelor of Science degree in religion, philosophy, and humanities, and recently completed a Master’s Degree in executive leadership. Additionally, he is a graduate of the Police Executive Research Forum Senior Management Institute for Police, which brings together faculty from top universities, successful law-enforcement chief executives, and subject matter experts to address the issues faced by today’s law enforcement leaders. He is currently attending the UVA Sorensen Political Leaders Program, and he’s a graduate of the Virginia Rural Center's Leadership Institute.
Clair is a certified Law Enforcement Chief Executive Officer through the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police and the current 1st Vice President. He has authored numerous articles on community policing, been an expert advisor for various professional organizations, and recently served as a guest instructor at the Appalachian School of Law, lecturing on crisis communications and negotiations.
“We are excited to welcome Chief Clair to Blacksburg,” said Town Manager Marc Verniel. “John brings a solid track record of law enforcement leadership and is well known for building trust, developing staff, and practicing community-focused policing. I am confident he will be a great addition to an already outstanding team and will continue to build upon the positive culture in our nationally accredited police department.”
“I’m humbled to have been selected to lead a high-performing organization like the BPD and serve in such a vibrant community,” said Clair. “Chief Brewster and his predecessors have built a truly first-class agency. I look forward to ensuring the staff of the BPD continues to have the tools and support they need to keep the department’s legacy strong, and Blacksburg a safe and healthy community.”
Clair will begin his duties with the Blacksburg Police Department on June 16, 2025.