Spire Spring 2018

outcomes

VIRGI BC

T he Virginia State Police has a new leader, and it’s 2002 Bluefield College graduate Colonel Gary T. Settle of Rappahannock County, Virginia, a 32-year veteran of law enforcement. Settle assumed the position in February of 2018 after being appointed to the post by Virginia governor Ralph Northam, and while he’s grateful for the opportunity to lead Virginia’s state troopers, he admits it’s one he never envisioned. “Law enforcement is a special calling and has been a career that has provided me with many unique experiences and rewarding interactions with people all across the Commonwealth,” said Settle. “I didn’t start out with the Virginia State Police thinking I would be the superintendent one day. My ambition 32 years ago was quite simple – to pursue a career where I could make a difference and help others.” And that he has done. After graduating from the Virginia State Police Academy in 1986, Settle began his career as a trooper in the Culpeper Division where he had the opportunity to campaign and educate Virginians on the life-saving importance of the state’s new seatbelt laws. He served four years from 1996 to 2000 as sheriff of his native Rappahannock County before returning to the State Police as a sergeant with the Culpeper Division. There, in 2001, he led the Tactical Team to the Pentagon to assist with perimeter security during the terrorist attacks of September 11.

Colonel Gary

Settle (‘02)

14