Hampton Sheriff’s Office mourns passing of Virginia’s longest-serving Sheriff B.J. Roberts; local leaders, elected officials respond

Posted: Dec 26, 2020 / 12:38 PM MST

Updated: Dec 28, 2020 / 05:41 PM MST

HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) — The Hampton Sheriff’s Office and community is mourning the passing of Sheriff B.J. Roberts Saturday morning.

According to a release from the sheriff’s office, Roberts died peacefully at his home after celebrating Christmas Day with his family.

Earlier this month, Roberts announced his plans to retire from the position on Jan. 8.

Roberts served for 28 years and was Virginia’s longest-serving sheriff.

He was first elected sheriff of Hampton in 1992 and was re-elected to serve six terms. He had nearly 50 years of combined service to law enforcement on the Virginia Peninsula.

Following the news, local leaders and elected officials responded with prayers, thoughts to the families, and memories shared involving Roberts.

Karen Bowden, the Hampton undersheriff, released a statement on social media Monday on Roberts’ death, expressing the gravity of the “tremendous loss.”

Gov. Ralph Northam said in a tweet Saturday, “Pam and I are saddened to learn of Sheriff B.J. Roberts’ passing. As Virginia’s longest-serving sheriff, he loved the people he served, and that love was returned by all who knew him. Our prayers are with his family and the Hampton Roads community during this difficult time.”

Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) said “B.J. Roberts served the people of Hampton faithfully for many decades. He was a trailblazer who was deeply committed to improving relations between law enforcement and the communities they serve.”

“He was also my friend for close to 30 years and even nominated me when I first ran for Senate in 1996. My thoughts are with the Roberts family and the deputies and staff of the Hampton Sheriff’s Office during this time.”

Congressman Bobby Scott released a statement saying “I was saddened to learn of the passing of Hampton Sheriff B.J. Roberts. Sheriff Roberts served our community for decades in law enforcement, first as a patrolman with the Newport News Police Department, then rising through the ranks of the Hampton University Campus Police to become the University’s Director of Police and Public Safety, and for the last 28 years as Hampton’s sheriff.”

“His 1992 election as sheriff was trailblazing as he became the first African American constitutional officer elected in Hampton’s history. He continued to break barriers when he was elected in 2010 to serve as the first African American president of the National Sheriff’s Association.

“Sheriff Roberts was committed to making our criminal justice system fairer and improving police-community relations. His passing is a tremendous loss for Hampton and the entire Commonwealth. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, the deputies and staff of the Hampton Sheriff’s Office, and all those positively impacted by his remarkable life,” Scott concluded.

The Hampton Branch NAACP said, “It is with great sadness to hear of the passing of Sheriff B.J. Roberts. Sheriff Robert’s was a Hampton Branch NAACP Life member and a leader in our community. Being the first Black Hampton Sheriff and President of the National Sheriffs’ Association, Sheriff Robert’s led the way for other people of color to follow. He will be sorely missed.”

Portsmouth Sheriff’s Office responded on Facebook saying, “Sheriff Michael A. Moore and the Portsmouth Sheriff’s Office are very saddened to hear of the passing of Hampton Sheriff B.J. Roberts. Our sincere heart filled condolences go out to his family, friends, and our brothers and sisters at the Hampton Sheriff’s Office.”

York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office shared to Facebook, “We are very saddened to hear of the passing of Hampton Sheriff B.J. Roberts. We have worked closely with him for many years. Our sincere condolences go out to his family, friends, and our brothers and sisters at the Hampton Sheriff’s Office.”

Former Virginia governor Terry McAuliffe tweeted, “B.J. was a giant, a historic figure and a change-maker. Dorothy and I join the City of Hampton and the entire Commonwealth in mourning the loss of Sheriff Roberts. We already miss him so much.”

“Sheriff B.J. Roberts was an amazing public servant and friend. I’m devastated by his death,” Senator Tim Kaine posted to Facebook Saturday evening.

“The Hampton Police Division mourns the loss of Hampton Sheriff B.J. Roberts with our HSO family. He was Virginia’s longest-serving sheriff, and he had a special love for the Hampton community. Our prayers are with his family and the Hampton community during this difficult time,” the department posted to Facebook.

Virginia State Police extended its condolences to the Hampton Sheriff’s Office in the wake of Roberts’ death.

“In his 28 years of service, Hampton Sheriff B.J. Roberts set the standard that elected officials should follow. He always put the safety of his community first and he made an indelible impact on Hampton Roads and, as former president of the National Sheriffs’ Association, on law enforcement nationwide. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten. Thank you, Sheriff Roberts,” said Sheriff Ken Stolle of the Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office.

Hampton NAACP President Gayle Kanoyton stated that Roberts’ passing is “a great loss to our city.”

“He was the same person, where ever you saw him. He was the same person. It was not like he had these high roles, whether it was political roles or leadership roles in organizations. He was just BJ. He was Sheriff Roberts to some but to many of us he was just BJ Roberts.”

Kanoyton said Roberts hosted an annual picnic for senior citizens and youth forums She describes him as a fun-loving person– who enjoyed being around others.

“He had a very diverse staff. He had women and people of color, you just don’t see that in law enforcement. He just really believed in making sure you had equity for all.”