BLACKSBURG, Va. – Blacksburg Police Chief Anthony Wilson has decided to retire this summer after 25 years with the department.
Wilson began his career as a Blacksburg police officer in 1997 after graduating from Virginia Tech and serving as a Marine.
“Being a good law enforcement agent in the town of Blacksburg is a real balancing act, this is where they come at this stage in their life is who they come to figure out who they are,” Wilson said.
He quickly rose through the ranks and became chief in 2014.
During his tenure, Wilson launched multiple safety programs including No Hokie Left Behind, Be Safe Blacksburg and Adopt a Cop.
In 2020, Wilson helped create The New River Valley Public Health Task Force which was vital in the region’s pandemic response.
“I’ve been absolutely blessed to be surrounded by the greatest people on earth here at the BPD. They all serve with such incredible honor, sacrifice and professionalism.” said Wilson, “They have become my family and together we have weathered some of the toughest times imaginable. I truly look forward to the future and new endeavors, but will always have the men and women of the BPD in my heart and mind.”
He also introduced programs like Books to Badges and Training Triangle.
Wilson will remain on the force until June. While he is pleased working in public service, he offers a bit of advice to his younger self.
“I have sacrificed family for community if you do this interview with kids, they will tell you there are proud of dad but they will tell you dad missed a lot of birthdays. I tried desperately to balance and I would tell myself that your passion for the community made you very successful I would tell chief Wilson to slow down.”
The search for the next Blacksburg Chief of Police is currently underway.