LCSO Cop Named 2019 Virginia Deputy Sheriff Of The Year

ASHBURN, VA—A Loudoun County Sheriff's Office deputy has been named the 2019 Virginia Deputy Sheriff of the Year by the Virginia Sheriffs' Association, the LCSO announced Tuesday, July 2. Deputy First Class Colin Whittington, of Ashburn, will receive the award in September at the 86th annual VSA conference.

Said LSCO Sheriff Mike Chapman in his nominating letter: "Deputy Whittington's professional demeanor, enthusiastic attitude, integrity, and work ethic is an example of the highest level of professionalism of Virginia's law enforcement personnel. He is highly regarded by his peers and command staff which is reflective in his many accomplishments."

Whittington, who has been recognized previously for life-saving actions, joined the force in 2015 as a patrol deputy. He also has been a community resource deputy at the Ashburn Station and now works as a public information officer. Here's more from the LCSO:

As part of his work in the Ashburn Station, DFC Whittington initiated an alcohol enforcement operation which involved extensive collaboration with command staff, restaurants, management, legal counsel, and the Virginia Department Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority to deter disorderly conduct and alcohol offenses in a highly frequented business establishment. The incidents prior to this initiative included calls for service for assaults and numerous intoxicated persons. Due to his consistent problem-solving approach, this operation resulted in a significant decrease in arrests and has been well received by management and patrons.

Captain Dave Hibberd, the Ashburn Station Commander, said DFC Whittington, “is a model deputy, exemplifying the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office values of professionalism and outstanding services through community collaboration and aggressive problem solving.”

DFC Whittington has also been recognized by the agency and the community for his outreach efforts and lifesaving actions. In 2017, Deputy Whittington was recognized at the 32nd Annual Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce Valor Awards. At the awards ceremony, he received the Lifesaving Award for two separate rescue responses. On June 19, 2017, he was first to arrive at the home of a reported unconscious person, where he discovered a man lying on the kitchen floor. He quickly checked for a pulse but found none. DFC Whittington initiated CPR and the man regained a pulse and was later transported to the hospital by ambulance. It was exactly six months later when DFC Whittington responded to a call from a Chantilly home where one-year-old infant who had stopped breathing. He again was first on the scene and began to perform CPR. The child was resuscitated and was transported to an area hospital where the child’s pulse and breathing were maintained. Sadly, the child passed away several days later. DFC Whittington’s sound thinking and effective efforts provided the family several precious days to say goodbye.