Buena Vista Police Department

08/31/2026

Today, August 31, is International Overdose Awareness Day.

No one has to walk the road to recovery alone. Carrying Narcan can save lives... it could be the life of a neighbor, a friend, or a family member.

Thank you to our community partners at Rockbridge Recovery, who are offering walk-in training and free Narcan today.

This year's theme, '25 Years On. Still Needed.', is a powerful reminder that together, we can create a brighter future where overdose is a thing of the past! Behind every statistic is a person who deserves hope, healing, and a second chance. IOAD is a time to celebrate the lives of those we've lost, uplift the families and communities affected, and empower those in recovery to keep pushing forward. We can prevent overdose! By sparking open conversations, embracing compassion, and using evidence-based solutions, we can connect people with the support they need. Let's work together to create a world where overdose is a distant memory, and every individual can thrive! 💫

08/28/2026

Ever wonder about the story behind the badge?

Check out this recent feature by The News-Gazette highlighting Cpl. Josh Guttmann, our Community Resource Officer! The article dives into his 21-year journey in law enforcement, his passion for community outreach and instructor work, and even his love for building Legos with his family.

Beyond what’s in the interview, Cpl. Guttmann is a strong believer in lifelong learning. He is currently completing his Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice (with a minor in Business Administration) at Liberty University while constantly pursuing advanced tactical and leadership certifications to help ensure Buena Vista remains one of the safest communities in Virginia.

Check out the full article here: https://www.thenews-gazette.com/article/14958,who-they-are-behind-the-badge

08/26/2026

Happy National Dog Day from all of us at the Buena Vista Police Department!

Our K9 officers, Hans and Beau, work hard to keep our city safe. While we celebrate our four-legged teammates, we want to remind everyone to keep your pets safe in extreme weather. High heat can heat up pavement fast and put your pup at risk... if it is too hot for your bare hand on the asphalt, it is too hot for their paws! Always ensure they have plenty of fresh water and shade when spending time outdoors.

Now, show us your fur babies! Drop a photo of your dog in the comments below so K9 Hans and K9 Beau can see their Buena Vista crew!

08/24/2026

Hands-on safety in action!

Our officers had a blast spending 90 minutes with the fantastic students at Southern Virginia University teaching the A.V.O.I.D. program. Thank you to SVU for having us out. We love partnering with our campus community to keep everyone safe, aware, and prepared.

Interested in bringing this training to your group? If you or your organization would like to learn more about our A.V.O.I.D. program, reach out to [email protected] to schedule a session!

08/20/2026

Our officers had a great time engaging with students and staff at Southern Virginia University while presenting the ALERRT CRASE (Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events) training!

Building a safe community starts with education and preparedness. The CRASE course provides critical strategies, built around the Avoid, Deny, Defend principles, to help individuals stay safe and act decisively in emergency situations.

A big thank you to the SVU community for inviting us and taking an active role in campus safety!

Want to schedule a CRASE safety presentation for your business, church, or organization? Contact us at [email protected] to learn more or request a session.

08/18/2026

Behind every badge is a neighbor, a dedicated public servant, and someone committed to keeping our community safe.

Check out the latest article in The News-Gazette featuring Investigator J. Smith as part of their "Who They Are: Behind the Badge" series! Get to know the person behind the badge and the work being done every day to protect Buena Vista.

Read the full story here: https://www.thenews-gazette.com/article/14956,who-they-are-behind-the-badge

08/17/2026

That back road might feel empty until you see the flashing police lights. Driving drunk means a DUI, even in a small town.

Don't risk your license or your reputation. Plan ahead for a sober ride before you put the keys in the ignition. Our officers are out keeping our community safe... make the right call so everyone gets home alive.

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.

08/12/2026

DCJS CCPC: Core Element #1 – Buena Vista Community Safety Council

Welcome to Part 1 of our series highlighting how the City of Buena Vista and the Buena Vista Police Department earned our Virginia DCJS Certified Crime Prevention Community designation!
To kick things off, we are highlighting Core Element #1: The Buena Vista Community Safety Council.

Why was it created?
True community safety isn’t something the police department can do alone; it’s a shared effort across our entire city. Formed as part of our DCJS initiative, the Community Safety Council brings together key local leaders, organizations, and residents to proactively identify safety concerns, share information, and solve problems together.

Who is at the table?
To ensure every corner of our city has a voice, the Council brings together a diverse cross-section of our community. Our table includes representatives from the Buena Vista Police Department, local citizens, business owners, and faith leaders, working alongside key partners such as Main Street Buena Vista, City Economic Development, the Community Services Board, Buena Vista Public Schools, and Southern Virginia University.

Progress & What We’re Working On
The Council has hit the ground running! We recently completed our initial community safety survey and are actively reviewing feedback alongside safety topics raised by Council members in their respective fields. By listening to our community and collaborating across sectors, the Safety Council is helping shape a safer, more connected Buena Vista for years to come.

08/10/2026

Service in action!

We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the students from who spent their Saturday rolling up their sleeves and putting a fresh coat of paint inside our department!

Community service like this makes Buena Vista such a special place to live and work. Thank you to everyone who pitched in to help refresh our space!

08/07/2026

Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the tragic loss of Deputy Burlie W. Duvall III of the Appomattox County Sheriff’s Office, who was killed in the line of duty on August 6th.

Deputy Duvall was currently attending the academy as a member of Class #108, alongside one of our own officers. This tragic loss hits deep within the law enforcement family and academy community.

We extend our deepest condolences, thoughts, and prayers to Deputy Duvall’s family, friends, and the entire Appomattox County Sheriff’s Office during this incredibly difficult time. We stand with you in honoring his service, dedication, and ultimate sacrifice.