1995 to Present
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| Chief of Police James R. Bryant | |
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1995 to Present |
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| Chief of Police James
R. Bryant began his law enforcement career with the Salem Police
Department on October 27, 1966. His appointment was effected
fourteen months prior to Salem becoming incorporated as a City. The
Town of Salem Police Department at this time consisted of 16
personnel. Today there are more than 100 full-time and part-time employees in a variety of
capacities.
Initially assigned as a patrolman, Chief Bryant completed basic police training at Central Police Training School, Virginia State Police Headquarters, Richmond, Virginia in May 1967. He was transferred to the Detective Division in July 1974 and assigned to general investigations prior to his promotion to the rank of police sergeant in July 1976. Returning to the Patrol Division as a front line supervisor, Chief Bryant held this assignment until November 1979 at which time he was designated as Detective Sergeant within that division. He served in this capacity for nine years until promotion as Lieutenant in charge of the Services Division, later transferring as Lieutenant in charge of the Detective Division on July 1, 1991. Chief Bryant was appointed to the post of Deputy Chief of Police in September 1993 and subsequently to his current position of Chief of Police on November 1, 1995. Chief Bryant completed his AAS Degree requirements (cum laude) at Virginia Western Community College with a major in Police Science. He earned his Bachelor's Degree at Bluefield College, Majoring in Management/Human Resources. Chief Bryant attended the 134th session of the FBI National Academy and has completed numerous schools and seminars pertaining to the criminal case investigation and administrative management. The Botetourt County native received his primary and secondary educational training in Botetourt and Roanoke County schools. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and was on active duty from 1962 through 1966. Chief Bryant later continued his military service with the United States Marine Corps Reserve and was called to active duty during Operation Desert Shield/Storm in 1990. Participating in all phases of the campaign to liberate Kuwait, Chief Bryant received personal commendations and decorations to include the Combat Action Ribbon and Navy Commendation Medal. He retired from active service status on July 1, 1995 holding the rank of Sergeant Major. Chief Bryant holds a unique distinction among the members of the Salem Police Department as well as with many of his contemporaries in other law enforcement agencies. He is the only employee to start as a patrolman and rise to the level of Chief of Police and simultaneously rise through the enlisted and non-commissioned officer ranks from Private to Sergeant Major.
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Click Here to E-Mail Chief Bryant
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