COURTLAND

Josh Wyche Sr., a captain in the Southampton County Sheriff’s Office, told The Tidewater News earlier this of his intention to become the next sheriff now that J.B. Stutts has announced his decision not to run for re-election, but instead retire at the end of this year.

“I decided it was time for me to step up and keep the family together,” Wyche said of his ambition. “I consider everyone of the department to be family.”

He praised Stutts as being both a mentor and someone who’s pushed Wyche to excel in his work as a law enforcement officer.

A lifelong resident of the county and a graduate of Franklin High School, he did some farming before going on to join the Marine Corps, in which he served six years and was honorably discharged. He was encouraged by former sheriff Vernie Francis Jr. in becoming a deputy for the Detention Division. Later promotions included civil process and courtroom security for the judges. He then became a master deputy, graduated from a police academy in 1989, and later promoted to corporal. By 2006, Wyche had become sergeant and was taking charge of civil process and courtroom security. In 2014, he was named a captain.

Other education includes earning an associate degree in criminal justice from Paul D. Camp Community College; graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, as well as taking many other law enforcement-related educational courses.

Family support comes from his wife, Lorraine Turner Wyche, and their two children, Josh A. Wyche Jr. and Brittany R. Wyche. There’s also a daughter-in-law, Lindsay Wyche; and two granddaughters, Kayla and Ava Wyche, of whom he called, “the joy of my life.”

Life is not all work. The 57-year-old is leading the Voices of Harmony, of which he’s participated in for 14 years. “We love singing God’s word.” There’s service on the board of the Courtland Volunteer Rescue Squad, presidency of the Robert Hill FOP, and being the chaplain for the FBI NAA Academy Association.

“I just love helping the people of Franklin and Southampton County,” Wyche said of his motivation to become the next sheriff. “If I can help somebody, my work won’t be in vain.”

Although Wyche has declared his intention, the Southampton County Registrar’s Office has not yet received completed applications.

The deadline to file to be on the ballot is Tuesday, June 11, at 7 p.m. Contact Registrar Lynn Burgess at 653-9280 for details.