RICHMOND – The men and women of the Virginia State Police and their families will gather in Richmond on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, to honor all public safety professionals who have given the ultimate sacrifice in service to the safety of the citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Governor Abigail Spanberger will be the ceremony’s keynote speaker.
Wednesday’s service will recognize all 67 of the Department’s law enforcement professionals who have died in the line of duty, to include a special tribute to the following sworn members in which 2026 marks a significant milestone:
Trooper Urshell T. Mayo, 85 years Trooper Robin L. Farmer, 45 years
Trooper William H. Andrews, 80 years Trooper Ricky M. McCoy, 40 years
Trooper Robert W. Smith, 75 years Trooper Gregory P. Fleenor, 30 years
Investigator Wallace M. Simpson, 75 years Senior Trooper Robert A. Hill, Sr., 20 years
Trooper Henry M. Brooks, Jr., 70 years Trooper Kevin C. Manion, 20 years
Trooper Garland W. Fisher, Jr., 50 years Trooper Adam M. Bowen, 15 years
Trooper Bernard W. Wright, 50 years Trooper Chad P. Dermyer, 10 years
Captain J. Gregory Blankenship, 5 years
Each tribute includes a single bell toll and an Honor Guard salute. Additional information on those being honored is available at https://vsp.virginia.gov/about-us/woodson-gallery.
Virginia State Police 2026 Police Officers’ Memorial Service – Media are Invited to Attend
Date: Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Location: Virginia State Police Gymnasium, 7700 Midlothian Turnpike, North Chesterfield, Va.
