Lynchburg Police Department

06/15/2026

Please join us in congratulating our Emergency Communications Officer of the Quarter and Professional Staff of the Quarter.

💛 **Emergency Communications Officer of the Quarter: Jacey Burley**

No matter the time of day, Emergency Communications Officers are always there to answer the call when someone needs help.

Emergency Communications Officer Jacey Burley demonstrated that commitment when she received a call from a distressed elderly woman whose husband was not breathing. Remaining calm under pressure, she provided clear lifesaving instructions and stayed on the line until Lynchburg Fire Department personnel arrived. As the first first responder in this emergency, her professionalism, compassion, and quick actions helped save a life and exemplify the critical role Emergency Communications Officers play in public safety every day.

💙 **Professional Staff of the Quarter: Wayne Cyrus**

Some people just don't stop serving, and retired LPD Captain and former Havelock, NC Police Chief Wayne Cyrus is one of them.

After retiring from sworn law enforcement, Wayne returned to the LPD to continue supporting the organization he dedicated his career to. His experience, knowledge, and steadfast work ethic proved invaluable during the construction of our new headquarters, the transition into the facility, and the countless details involved in making it operational.

The success of a project of this magnitude requires dedicated people working behind the scenes, and Wayne's leadership and commitment helped make our new headquarters a reality.

We are proud to recognize Jacey and Wayne for their outstanding service, professionalism, and dedication. Their contributions strengthen our department, support the LPD, and make a lasting impact on our organization and the people we serve.

06/15/2026

UPDATE: John Harding has been located and is safe. The Lynchburg Police Department appreciates our community's assistance.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 14, 2026

Missing and Endangered Person

LYNCHBURG, Va. – At approximately 5:00 p.m. today, the Lynchburg Police Department received a report of a missing and endangered person.

John Harding, 61, was last seen around 1:00 p.m. on June 14, 2026, in the 100 block of Chesterfield Road.

Harding is described as 5’8” tall and weighing approximately 260 pounds. He was last seen wearing a dark t-shirt and grey sweatpants. He is considered endangered due to a medical condition.

Harding may be driving a grey Toyota Highlander with VA tag: RSK4LF.

Lynchburg Police officers are actively searching for Harding at this time. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is asked to call 911 or contact the Lynchburg Police Department non-emergency number at (434) 847-1602. Tips may also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at (888) 798-5900, online at http://p3tips.com, or by using the P3 Tips mobile app.

This is an ongoing investigation. Any additional information will be released as an update to this release.

06/12/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 12, 2026

LPD Responded to Accident on 13th Street

LYNCHBURG, VA – The Lynchburg Police Department (LPD) responded to a traffic accident involving a City of Lynchburg vehicle and a bicyclist that occurred earlier today.

At approximately 10:15 a.m., LPD and the Lynchburg Fire Department (LFD) responded to the intersection of 13th and Buchanan streets. The accident involved an adult male operating a bicycle and a City of Lynchburg Public Works vehicle. The driver of the Public Works vehicle remained on the scene and fully cooperated with law enforcement.

It was determined that the bicyclist did not stop at the stop sign and was issued a summons.

The bicyclist was transported to Lynchburg General Hospital by LFD for treatment.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the LPD Traffic Safety Unit at (434) 455-6047 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 798-5900. Tips can also be submitted anonymously online at www.p3tips.com, via the P3 app on a mobile device, or by texting CVCS to 738477 to receive a link to the anonymous tip form.

06/12/2026

🌟 Help us celebrate some incredible work!

🏆 Officer of the Quarter: Detective Dempsey
Detective Dempsey's commitment to mentoring fellow officers has made a significant impact across the department. Through his collaboration with patrol officers and other detectives, a credit card fraud suspect was identified and apprehended, and stolen vehicles and fi****ms were recovered. His efforts have strengthened investigations, returned stolen property, and enhanced the skills of those around him.

💙 February Officer of the Month: Officer Gaudet De Lestard
As our Co-Response Officer, Officer Gaudet De Lestard has made a tremendous difference in the lives of individuals experiencing mental health crises. Working alongside her clinician partner, she helps connect people with resources and support. Her empathy, professionalism, and dedication to serving others exemplify the very best of our profession.

💙 March Officer of the Month: Officer Leidich
Officer Leidich has demonstrated exceptional initiative in addressing the sale of illegal narcotics in our area. Through proactive policing, creative problem-solving, and strong teamwork, he has shown unwavering dedication to protecting others and keeping our city safe.

These officers represent the professionalism, compassion, and commitment to service that define the LPD. We are proud to recognize their outstanding work and grateful for the positive impact they make every day.

06/11/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 11, 2026

LPD Releases 2025 Annual Report

LYNCHBURG, VA — The Lynchburg Police Department (LPD) is pleased to announce the release of its 2025 Annual Report, highlighting a notable reduction in violent crime rates and reinforcing the department's long-standing commitment to serving and protecting the Lynchburg community.

LPD's mission centers on fostering deep partnerships within the community and proactively protecting its safety. To effectively track progress and maintain transparency, LPD conducts a comprehensive review of its performance annually, culminating in the publication of this report. Guided by ongoing Stratified Policing and Geo Policing models and supported by insights from our community, these collaborative efforts resulted in a tangible decrease in violent crime across the city over the past year.

Key initiatives driving these results include continued support for the pay progression plan for officers, safety strolls to increase police visibility in neighborhoods, our partnerships on the local, state, and federal levels, and the opening of the state-of-the-art police headquarters at 3405 Odd Fellows Road.

LPD expresses its profound gratitude to the Lynchburg community, the City's Leadership Team, and City Council for their unwavering support, collaboration, and investment in promoting public safety initiatives.

The LPD 2025 Annual Report is now available for public viewing and download on the department's official website at lynchburgvapolice.gov.

06/10/2026

☀️ Hot weather is on the way. We're sharing information from the City of Lynchburg about cooling centers available for those who need a place to cool off.

Please stay hydrated, check on loved ones, and take care of one another. Please share this information so we can help keep our community safe during the heat. 💙

Hot temperatures are expected later this week, and free cooling centers will be available across Lynchburg to help residents stay safe and comfortable.

🌡️ Cooling centers will be open Thursday, June 11, and Friday, June 12, at several locations throughout the city, with bottled water provided by Lynchburg Emergency Services.

If you don't have access to air conditioning, consider spending the hottest part of the day at one of these air-conditioned locations:

• Department of Human Services Lobby, 99 Ninth Street - [8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Thursday and Friday]
• Miller Center, 301 Grove Street, 2nd Floor Customer Service Desk - [8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Thursday and Friday]
• Miller Center, 301 Grove Street, 1st/Ground Floor Entrance to Library Hub (back parking lot) - [10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday and Friday]
• Lynchburg Public Library, Downtown Branch, 216 12th Street - [10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday; 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Friday]
• Salvation Army, 2215 Park Avenue - [12:00 to 5:00 p.m. Friday only]

As temperatures rise, remember to:
✔️ Drink plenty of water
✔️ Limit strenuous outdoor activity during peak heat
✔️ Never leave children or pets in a vehicle
✔️ Check on older adults, neighbors, and anyone who may need assistance

Stay safe, LYH!

06/10/2026

🌧️ Can't see much beyond your windshield? Slow down!

Heavy rain can reduce visibility in seconds and create standing water on roadways.

✔️ Headlights on
✔️ Slow down
✔️ Increase following distance
✔️ Watch for standing water
✔️ Use hazard lights when conditions make it difficult for others to see you

Give yourself extra time and make safety your priority.

06/09/2026

🐾 K9 Uri’s Reminder 🐾

Warmer days are here, Lynchburg! With highs in the 80s and 90s over the next week, K9 Uri wants to remind everyone that extreme heat can quickly become dangerous for both people and pets.

If you are heading out, please ensure your loved ones and furry family members have a safe, cool place to stay with plenty of water. Never leave children or companion animals unattended in a vehicle, even with the windows cracked.

Let's look out for one another and keep everyone safe and cool! ☀️🐾😎

06/08/2026

Family, friends, and members of the Lynchburg Police Department came together today to honor the life and legacy of retired Officer Robert “Bob” Hawkins.

Before joining the Lynchburg Police Department, Officer Hawkins proudly served in the United States Navy from 1967 to 1974. He then dedicated more than 22 years to the City of Lynchburg, serving with the department from April 1976 until his retirement in June 1998.

Known for his teamwork and willingness to step up whenever needed, Officer Hawkins played an important role in training fellow officers and helping implement and maintain VCIN/NCIC systems and breathalyzer programs. His professionalism, courteous nature, and commitment to the department earned the respect of those who served alongside him.

It was our privilege to honor his service alongside the American Legion. Officer Hawkins’ legacy lives on through the officers he mentored and the example he set throughout his career.

https://www.tharpfuneralhome.com/obituaries/robert-hawkins

06/08/2026

🔥🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️ The Lynchburg Police Department is proud to once again participate in the Special Olympics Virginia Torch Run!

For nearly four decades, LPD has supported Special Olympics Virginia through the Torch Run, our annual Guns & Hoses softball game, Cover the Cruiser events, and other fundraising efforts. Since the Torch Run came to Virginia in 1987, we've been honored to help raise awareness and support for these incredible athletes.

On June 25, our team will take part in the Torch Run, carrying the Flame of Hope and celebrating the determination, courage, and achievements of Special Olympics athletes. More details about our route and run will be shared soon.

If you'd like to support Team LPD visit:
https://impact.specialolympicsva.org/team/829440

Every donation helps support opportunities for Special Olympics athletes across Virginia. Thank you for helping us champion opportunity and the power of sports! ❤️🔥