Radford University graduate Todd Brewster is settling in as the Blacksburg Police Department’s new Chief of Police, succeeding Chief Anthony Wilson, who retired on July 1.
A native of Tazewell, Brewster began his career as a dispatcher for the Blacksburg Police Department in 1997 and became an officer in 1999. He continued to advance with the department, working through the ranks of sergeant and lieutenant while supervising the Accident Reconstruction Team and serving as the DMV Grant Coordinator.
He was promoted to Police Services Captain in November 2020 where he has since overseen the criminal investigations unit, accreditation, community outreach, recruiting and hiring, and the training unit. He has also served as a volunteer firefighter with the Blacksburg Fire Department and the Christiansburg Fire Department.
“I congratulate Todd Brewster on being selected to serve Blacksburg in his new role as Chief of Police,” said Town Manager Marc Verniel. “Todd has a proven track record in law enforcement and an extensive history of service to our community, which began as a volunteer firefighter and then as a communications officer in our emergency dispatch center.
“He began his certified police career as a patrol officer and has served as investigations sergeant, patrol lieutenant and service division commander,” said Verniel. “With every assignment Todd has distinguished himself as a community advocate and leader. He has the skills to lead the department into the future and will continue to build upon the relationships he and our police officers have established in our community. I look forward to working with Chief Brewster in his new role.”
A recipient of the Virginia Police Chiefs Foundation’s Lifesaving Award, Brewster is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy and is a member of the FBI National Academy Associates, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and the Blue Ridge Association of Chiefs of Police. He serves on the Board of Directors of the New River Valley Alcohol Safety Awareness Program.
“It’s an honor to have been selected to serve the citizens of Blacksburg and to lead one of the finest law enforcement agencies in the country,” said Brewster. “I will continue building upon Chief Wilson’s many accomplishments by expanding our outreach and engagement efforts and recruiting a diverse police department reflective of our community.”
Brewster began his duties as Blacksburg’s Chief of Police on July 1.