Lieut. Ronnie Roberts retired from his post of 40 years with the Charlottesville Police and started his tenure as the Chief of the Louisa Police Department Monday.
Support Services Division Commander Capt. Gary Pleasants, who has been on the police force with Roberts for the past 35 years, said both he and rest of the department were sad to see Roberts go, but are proud of the work he has done for the community.
“Everyone knew him, and he knew everyone,” Pleasants said. “He was well-liked, well respected. He has represented the department well.”
Pleasants said Roberts made many beneficial contributions to the Charlottesville community and has been a positive force as the city has grown.
Shortly before Roberts ended his service in Charlottesville, he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Regional Law Enforcement Awards Dinner, which was hosted by Mothers Against Drunk Driving on Sept. 22.
Pleasants said the award reflects Roberts’ investment in the community and in teaching and training new officers for almost 30 years. Roberts was one of the first officers to put DUI roadblocks in place, he said, and has trained new officers in the Charlottesville Police Academy and taught breathalyzing procedures in Richmond.
A lot has changed at the police department since Roberts started, including significant equipment advancements. Roberts said a huge difference in the department was the use of mobile data terminals, cameras and Internet in squad cars — something entirely unforeseen 40 years ago.
Roberts said that the community has also seen growth — in the city of Charlottesville, the University and Albemarle County.
Roberts expressed sadness at leaving Charlottesville after so many years of service.
“The things that I’ll be missing are, most importantly, the people I’ve worked with and worked for,” Roberts said.
All the same, Roberts said he is excited to use what he learned in Charlottesville to serve the people of Louisa to the best of his ability.
“I’m looking forward to serving the people of Louisa County,” Roberts said. “To take the training I’ve received and the knowledge I’ve developed in Charlottesville and apply it to Louisa.”
Pleasants said Roberts’ position would be filled by Lieut. Steve Upman.
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