Miles makes Suffolk history as Suffolk’s first Black Sheriff

Suffolk Sheriff’s Department has officially welcomed David D. Miles as the new sheriff, and with that, Miles becomes the city’s first Black Sheriff.

Miles, alongside five additional Suffolk Sheriff’s Department members, were sworn into their new official ranks during the Suffolk Sheriff’s Office Promotion Ceremony held on Tuesday, July 9, at Mills E. Godwin Courts Complex. Following an invocation by Bishop A.S. Hall, Sr. of Balm Church, Suffolk Circuit Court Chief Deputy Clerk Cindy Robertson swore in Miles and fellow candidates for promotion. Various dignitaries, including judges of the Suffolk Circuit Court, Suffolk City Council members and Retired Suffolk Sheriff E.C. Harris, were in attendance alongside friends and family.

“This day is 50 years in the making, and it is a historic moment, not only for myself…but for many others in the City of Suffolk,” said an emotional Miles, speaking after taking his oath of office. “Here I stand on the foundation built by Sheriff’s Baines, Issacs and Harris. To paraphrase Psalm 75: ‘Promotion comes not from the east, west or the south, but it’s God that putteth down one and setteth up another.’ So, in all of my gratitude, I must first thank God for allowing me this opportunity. I am humbled, I am honored, and I am thankful that He did it.”

Miles thanked Harris for his leadership and mentorship and thanked his family and the city.

“Sheriff Harris modeled being a servant and modeled servant leadership. He served those within the office and within the entire City of Suffolk, and he has left me some very big shoes to fill,” he said. “…Sheriff Harris, thank you doesn’t seem to be enough.”

An honor graduate of Norfolk State University, receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communication in 2001, Miles started his over 18-year career in law enforcement in 2006 at the Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office in correctional and courts divisions. In 2015, Miles transitioned to the Suffolk Sheriff’s Office and was soon appointed Chief Deputy in 2019.

Joining Miles were newly sworn-in Sgt. Morgan B. Olson, Sgt. Wade L. Thomas, Lt. Reva E. Brinkley, who also makes Suffolk history as the office’s first Black female lieutenant, Cpt. John W. King and Chief Deputy Nathaniel F. Goodwin.

Brinkley called the moment “humbling” for her and her family during her speech.

“I want to express how honored I am to be part of the Suffolk Sheriff’s Office,” Brinkley said. “I take on these new responsibilities knowing that I stand on 30 shoulders of the Retired Sheriff E.C. Harris, who first brought me on, and now the new Sheriff, David Miles, and the dedicated staff of the Suffolk Sheriff’s Office.”

During his speech, King thanked Harris and Miles for entrusting him with his new position as Captain.

“I am excited about the future ahead,” King said. “I had a little bit to do with getting here, more so about the people that helped me get here. My in-laws… my dad Johnny King and my wife Pam, I wouldn’t be here without her.”

Following the ceremony, Miles had a chance to reflect on the historic day for himself and the Suffolk Sheriff’s Office.

“It is very hard to put into words what has been going through my mind leading up to the ceremony,” he said. “Words like honored and humbled come to mind. This isn’t just a momentous occasion for me, but for all those that were promoted in the ceremony, our families, the guests, and our growing city.”

Miles also shared his thoughts on being Suffolk’s first Black Sheriff.

“To be a first, in any regard, adds extra honor to reaching any milestone, and this one is no different,” Miles said. “Being the first gives hope to those that come after, as well as makes me hope that I will not be the only. It means a lot not only to me but to many in the city. Being the first makes it that much more important that I am responsive to and serving every citizen to the best of my ability.”

Following his predecessors, Miles talked about his goals and vision as Sheriff.

“Since promoting me to Chief Deputy in 2019, Sheriff Harris gave me the opportunity to have an influence on the functions of the Sheriff’s Office. In this time, we have created new partnerships, programs, and connections that have [been] an integral part in making this office what it is today,” Miles said. “I envision this office as being both representative of and responsive to the citizens that we serve. As the city has ticked over the 100,000 mark, filled with diverse communities and characteristics on each side, I hope this office will be a bridge that builds trust between law enforcement and the citizens. As Sheriff, I will strive to not only build upon these established relationships, but create new ones.”

Likewise, he gave a personal message to Suffolk’s residents.

“In my time living in and working for the city, I have seen so much change and growth. As we are stepping into the next 50 years, I am excited to be a part [of] the city’s next progression,” Miles said. “In addition to ensuring the safety of everyone that enters the Mills E. Godwin Courts Complex and protecting the rights of all citizens, we are committed to expanding our relationships and partnerships through community engagement. A highlight of this commitment is our second annual Senior Expo that we will host on September 14 th .”

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