NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — After 20 years of service, the senior chaplain for Norfolk Police is retiring.
In 1961, the Navy brought Leroy Briggs to Norfolk. The Staten Island native says this community immediately reminded him of home.
“Norfolk reminds me a lot of Staten Island, New York. It’s not too much city, it’s a little bit country. But people from all areas come here because of the military and it’s just a great place to be,” said Dr. Briggs.
He spent 22 years in the Navy, 18 years in civil service and 30 years in ministry.
On Wednesday, the reverend officially retired and says he’ll miss his work with Norfolk PD.
“Just being able to talk to them and encourage them to keep on doing their jobs. Let them know that our city needs them. We’re a blessed city, and we need this police department to continue to build relationships between the police department and the community. That’s the only way we’re going to really grow as a great city.”
Chief Larry Boone says they’ll all miss Dr. Briggs too.
“Oh absolutely, he’ll be missed, you know you don’t spend 20 years of your life being a public servant. He did this on his own fruition. Nobody paid him you know, and he has left his thumbprint on this organization.”
The reverend served under three different police chiefs. The current chief, Larry Boone, says the reverend was instrumental to his own career.
“I met Senior Briggs when I was a lieutenant and he made it possible for me to rise to the position of chief where I am today,” explained Chief Boone. “He took a genuine interest in my well being, he checked on me continuously.”
As for what’s next, the reverend says he’s looking forward to spending more time fiddling around in his backyard gardening and building things.
