STAFFORD, Va. — The man who was elected Stafford County Sheriff in 1990 has died after a long illness.
Ralph Williams served as sheriff from 1990 until 1999, when current sheriff Charles E. Jett was elected to lead the department.
The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office released the following press release that includes funeral information for Williams.
Press release:
It is with profound regret that the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office reports the death of Retired Stafford County Sheriff Ralph Williams. Sheriff Williams, age 69, died yesterday, Thursday, July 5, 2012 at Mary Washington Hospital after a lengthy illness.
Retired Sheriff Ralph Williams worked for the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office for 28 years, rising through the ranks of the Sheriff’s Office as a patrol deputy, detective, Captain of the Field Operations Division and Captain of the Criminal Investigations Division. Sheriff Williams was also a graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy and the Virginia Forensics Science Academy. He culminated his law enforcement career when he was elected Sheriff of Stafford County in 1990. Sheriff Williams served as Sheriff of Stafford County from 1990 until his retirement in 1999.
Sheriff Williams has been credited with initiating new technologies, state of the art investigative techniques, volunteer programs and innovative training strategies within the Stafford Sheriff’s Office during his tenure as Sheriff. He was named the Outstanding Policeman of the Year by the Stafford Jaycees, the Fraternal Order of Police and the American Legion Post 290. Sheriff Williams was also the Special Olympics Virginia Torch Run Chairman in 1996. Sheriff Williams was trained in numerous areas to include narcotics, special weapons and tactics, terrorism and hostage negotiations, forensics, photography for law enforcement and several law enforcement leadership academies.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Sheriff Ralph Williams” states Sheriff Charles E. Jett. “Sheriff Williams was a friend, mentor, exceptional law enforcement officer and a true southern gentleman. He was also an outstanding servant to the citizens of Stafford County. He will be greatly missed.”
ARRANGEMENTS:
Visitation Hours 5 – 8 p.m. Covenant Funeral Home
Monday, July 9 4801 Jefferson Davis Hwy.
Fredericksburg, VA 22408
Service 10 a.m. Vision Community Church
Tuesday, July 10 (Formerly Friendship Baptist Church) 410 Deacon Road
Fredericksburg, VA 22405
Burial Sunset Memorial Gardens
3702 Loren Drive
Fredericksburg, VA 22408
Reception Immediately Following Burial Fraternal Order of Eagles
21 Cool Spring Road
Fredericksburg, VA 22405
