Nelson County Sheriff's Office

06/01/2026

It’s been a heavy weekend for many first responders across Virginia. If you will, please keep those affected and the families who support them in your thoughts and hearts today. ❤️

05/30/2026

Yesterday, deputies conducted Operation Safe Haul, a targeted enforcement initiative along Rockfish Valley Highway (Route 151) and River Road (Route 6) focused on commercial vehicle length restrictions.

Throughout the operation, deputies monitored commercial traffic, conducted vehicle measurements, and took enforcement action when violations were identified. A total of 50 summonses were issued for overlength violations.

We recognize that commercial vehicle traffic on these roadways remains an ongoing concern for many residents, businesses, and visitors. The restrictions in place are intended to promote safer travel and help preserve the unique character of these corridors.

Virginia law regulates maximum vehicle lengths under § 46.2-1112 of the Code of Virginia, and certain roadways throughout the Commonwealth carry additional restrictions based on roadway design and safety considerations.

We would also like to remind commercial drivers and carriers to verify their route before traveling through Nelson County and ensure compliance with all posted restrictions.

This initiative was not a one-time effort. Similar enforcement details will continue as we work to encourage compliance, address community concerns, and improve roadway safety throughout Nelson County.

05/30/2026

Today, we join agencies across Virginia in mourning the loss of a Carroll County Sheriff’s Office deputy who was killed in the line of duty.

Our hearts are with the members of the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, the family and loved ones of the fallen deputy, and the deputy who was injured during last night’s incident.

We encourage everyone across the Commonwealth to remain vigilant and stay informed as law enforcement agencies continue their efforts to locate the suspect involved. At the time of this post, the suspect remains at large.

We have shared Carroll County Sheriff’s Office’s original post, which contains the most current information available. Please refer to their post for official updates and details regarding the incident.

Please keep all those affected by this tragedy in your thoughts.

🖤💙🖤

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

At approximately 9:26 p.m., the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office received a request from a family member to conduct a welfare check at 13658 Fancy Gap Highway.

Carroll County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to the residence. Upon arrival, two deputies made contact with a male subject identified as Michael Puckett. During the encounter, Puckett opened fire on the responding deputies. Deputies returned fire.

Both deputies were struck by gunfire. One deputy sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased. The second deputy was struck in his ballistic vest and is currently receiving medical evaluation and is reported to be in stable condition.

Michael Puckett fled the scene and remains at large. A coordinated law enforcement search is currently underway.

Puckett should be considered armed and extremely dangerous. Anyone who sees him or has information regarding his whereabouts is urged not to approach him and to immediately call 911.

This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

Sheriff Kevin A. Kemp

05/28/2026

This afternoon, we welcomed Mr. Jackson Bricko to our Office. Jackson is a 2026 graduate of Nelson County High School, and he will be attending Piedmont Virginia Community College this Fall as he pursues an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice.

Jackson is one of sixty-six, 2026 high school graduates from across the Commonwealth of Virginia, who received a Scholarship from the Virginia Sheriffs' Institute (VSI). The VSI awards scholarships to graduates of Virginia High Schools, who will attend Virginia Colleges and Universities while majoring in a Criminal Justice-related field.

After college, Jackson aspires to become a Virginia State Trooper. We congratulate Jackson on this scholarship, as we wish him much success as he begins his academic career!

05/28/2026

When you beat the allegations single-handedly… and the internet witnesses it in 4K. 👀

All jokes aside:
Please put the phones down while driving. We promise the notification can wait. 📱🚫

05/27/2026

Please join us in congratulating Lt. Steven Bodek, Deputy Seth Caveness, and Canine Deputy Slate White on receiving Valor Awards from the Virginia Sheriffs’ Association for their actions during a rescue response at Crabtree Falls last year.

These deputies demonstrated courage, teamwork, and dedication while responding to an incredibly dangerous situation in difficult terrain and darkness to help save a life.

We are grateful for their service to Nelson County and for the many first responders across Virginia who were also recognized for their bravery and commitment to others.

05/27/2026

☀️ Summer in Nelson County means cookouts, river days, vacations, backroad drives, and staying out a little later with friends.

But every summer, we also see a heartbreaking increase in deadly crashes across the country.

According to national highway safety data, major summer holidays consistently have some of the highest rates of impaired-driving fatalities each year:

🇺🇸 Memorial Day Weekend: 38%
🎆 Fourth of July: 38%
📆 Labor Day Weekend: 34%

And the hard part is, these aren’t just numbers on a chart.

They’re parents who didn’t make it home.
Teenagers with their whole lives ahead of them.
Friends, coworkers, neighbors, and loved ones whose summer ended far too soon.

As we head into the busiest travel months of the year, we’re simply asking everyone to look out for one another:

• Plan a sober ride before heading out
• Slow down, especially on rural roads
• Put the phone down while driving
• Wear your seatbelt every trip
• Watch for motorcycles, pedestrians, and young drivers

We want everyone to enjoy their summer, and make it home safely afterward, too. 💙

05/23/2026

Across the country this weekend, flags will wave, families will gather, and small moments will be shared together.

The freedom to enjoy all of it was paid for by those who never made it home.

This Memorial Day, we remember the fallen and honor their sacrifice. 🇺🇸

05/22/2026

POV: Virginia finally gets rain and everyone forgets headlights exist.
🌧️👀🚔

05/22/2026

This morning, our Office received some very special guests! Students from Tye River Elementary School came to visit Sheriff Embrey and Deputies, as they received a tour of the Department.

These students are enrolled in the TRES 'Safety Patrol' program, as each of them are tasked with ensuring that their fellow students safely enter the building and make it to their classroom upon their morning arrival at school.

Today, Sheriff Embrey spoke to the students about the importance of 'Safety' in school, and how Deputies keep our community safe.

Our Office always looks forward to the TRES Safety Patrol visit, and we wish them all a safe and happy Summer!