Leesburg Police Department Announces Retirement of Deputy Chief Vanessa Grigsby

Leesburg, VA (December 11, 2025) – The Leesburg Police Department announces the retirement of Deputy Chief Vanessa Grigsby, the department’s longest-serving member and a pioneering leader in Leesburg’s law enforcement history. Deputy Chief Grigsby will officially retire on January 2, 2026, concluding nearly three decades of dedicated service to the Town of Leesburg.

She twice served as Interim Chief of Police and helped establish many of the department’s foundational programs, including the Junior Police Academy, the domestic violence response protocol, and the false alarm reduction initiative. Her leadership extended well beyond internal operations—Deputy Chief Grigsby was deeply committed to community engagement, mentorship, and building lasting relationships with residents, businesses, and partner agencies. In 2023, she was inducted into the Loudoun County Women’s Hall of Fame in the category of Leadership.

“Deputy Chief Grigsby’s legacy is one of vision, compassion, and trailblazing leadership,” said Chief Thea Pirnat. “She leaves behind a department and a community that are stronger because of her service. Her impact on this organization and on Leesburg will be felt for generations.”

Deputy Chief Grigsby’s retirement marks the conclusion of an extraordinary career defined by service, professionalism, and a genuine dedication to the people of Leesburg. Her influence will continue to be felt in the programs she helped build, the officers she mentored, and the strong community partnerships she championed throughout her career.

The Leesburg Police Department extends its sincere gratitude to Deputy Chief Grigsby for her exceptional service, steadfast leadership, and lifelong commitment to the Town of Leesburg. We thank her for the example she set, the legacy she leaves behind, and the lasting impact she has made on this department and the community it proudly serves. We wish her the very best in her well-earned retirement.