MANASSAS — When Sheriff Glendell Hill was stationed at Vint Hill working in the Army Security Agency in the late 1960s, he lived in Manassas where a Confederate Battle Flag waived in the air.
When the left the service, he stayed in Manassas despite the fact he was a black man in a then-segregated southern town.
“I guess you could say I like a challenge,” said Hill.
The five-term sheriff has the daily challenge of overseeing Prince William County’s Sheriff’s Office, protecting the courthouse, issuing warrants and eviction notices. He took time out of his schedule to meet Malachi, 12, Potomac Local’s student reporter.
They both sat at the sheriff’s conference table where Malachi asked him about his past, and the role that he now plays in county government.
“How was it being elected Sheriff of Prince William County?” asked Malachi.
“Being elected by the people tells me one thing — people trust me,” Hill replied.
You can donate to Prince William/Greater Manassas Boys and Girls Club “Real Big Kid” event. To support Malachi in this worthwhile effort, select #6 Potomac Local publisher Uriah Kiser.
First elected sheriff in 2003, and with 40 years prior law enforcement experience, Hill has become a familiar face for many.
“I’m blessed and fortunate,” he told Malachi. “I’ve always taken my job very seriously… I don’t joke around a lot at work… I get along with others… this is a job where you help people.”
Hill, a Republican faces Democrat Joshua King, a Fairfax County Sheriff’s Deputy who is seeking to unseat him, and Democrat Dumfries Town Councilman Brian Fields, who is also a former town police officer. Voters will go to the polls on Tuesday, November 5.
During his time as sheriff, Hill has been lauded for his faith-based work with inmates teaching them everything from better hygiene and grooming habits, balancing a checkbook, to making their beds in the morning.
“Why would you need to teach an adult this?” asked Malachi.
“Well, some people aren’t fortunate enough to have good parents,” replied Hill. “When people grow up in homes, and parents don’t make them do certain things in the right time, they can begin to hang out with the wrong people.”
Hill encouraged Malachi to lead, stay away from followers, and always aspire to be around people who challenge him to think bigger.
“If you’re in a group of kids and you’re the smartest kid, leave and find a new group,” he said.
Hill presented Malachi with his personal challenge coin which depicts his time in the military, working as a police officer, and as sheriff.
“I don’t give this to very many people,” said Hill.
