Radford City Police Department

09/02/2026

On September 1, 2026, the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police & Foundation (VACP) recognized twenty-six Virginia law enforcement officers from nine agencies with the Association's highest honor, the Award for Valor. The Award for Valor recognizes a law enforcement officer who, in the line of duty, performs an act of extraordinary heroism while engaged with an adversary at imminent personal risk.

Three Radford City Police Officers were presented with the Award of Valor for their bravery, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to the preservation of human life.
The Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police honored Radford City Lieutenant E. McManus, Sergeant J. Ellis, and Officer J. Caudell with the 2026 Award of Valor in recognition of their courageous actions.

We would also like to give an honorable mention to Kevin Frady, the NRVCS co-responder assigned to the Radford City Police Department. Kevin was on scene with these officers at the time of the incident and played a tremendous role in the outcome.

We are proud to recognize all four individuals for their dedication, teamwork, and commitment to serving and protecting our community.

08/26/2026

SEE SOMETHING. SAY SOMETHING.

The Radford City Police Department is asking students, residents, and visitors to help keep our community safe by reporting suspicious or concerning activity especially in and around the college campus and surrounding neighborhoods within the City.

This could include weapons, unusual gatherings or loitering, people asking questions beyond normal curiosity, suspicious vehicles or behavior, or activity that appears to be escalating.

Suspicious doesn’t automatically mean criminal. Many situations may have an innocent explanation. Our job is to look at the bigger picture and determine whether further investigation is needed.

See something that doesn’t seem right? Say something.
🚫 Don’t confront or investigate. Remember your safety comes first.
📞 911 for emergencies
📞 540-731-3624 for non-emergencies

You may have the piece of information that helps prevent something bigger.

08/23/2026

RADFORD, VA — The Radford City Police Department is investigating two separate aggravated assaults that occurred in the 1200 block of Fairfax Street during the late evening hours of August 22, 2026, and the early morning hours of August 23, 2026.

Officers were dispatched at approximately 11:38 p.m. on August 22, 2026 to the 1200 block of Fairfax Street in response to a fight in progress. Officers responded to the area and began investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

At approximately 12:33 a.m. on August 23, 2026, officers were dispatched to the same area for a second report of a fight in progress. Both incident’s are being investigated as aggravated assaults.

The Radford City Police Department is actively investigating both incidents, including identifying all individuals involved. No suspects have been arrested at this time.

The Radford City Police Department is asking anyone who may have witnessed either incident, observed suspicious activity, or has information regarding individuals or vehicles in the area of the 1200 block of Fairfax Street between approximately 11:00 p.m. on August 22 and 2:00 a.m. on August 23 to contact Lieutenant E. Martin.

Even information that may seem insignificant could be important to the investigation.
Lieutenant E. Martin
Radford City Police Department
Phone: 540-267-3196
Email: [email protected]

The investigation remains active and ongoing. No additional information will be released at this time as the investigation is ongoing.

08/19/2026

Our annual Awards Banquet was held at the beautiful Highlander Hotel restaurant, Bee & Butter, where officers, civilian staff, dispatchers, and their families came together for an evening of great food, fellowship, and recognition.

We are incredibly grateful to a private sponsor who generously sponsored a First Responders Dinner, providing us with the opportunity and space to gather together and celebrate the accomplishments of our department. We are also deeply thankful to the anonymous donor who funded the plaques and awards presented throughout the evening.

These acts of generosity allowed us to recognize the hard work, dedication, and achievements of the men and women who serve our community each day. It was truly an amazing night, made even more special by having our families there to share in the celebration.

08/19/2026

See below and please plan ahead.

Please be advised!

08/15/2026

The Radford City Police Department was honored to recognize Nathan Gentry for his lifesaving actions during an incident that occurred on August 10, 2026.

Gentry was enjoying an afternoon on the New River when he witnessed a family in distress. He observed a man yelling for help as his two young children drifted away from him downriver on floats. Without hesitation, Gentry swam across the river and was able to bring both children to safety and reunite them with their father.
We are incredibly thankful for Gentry’s quick thinking, courage, and lifesaving actions. Deputy Chief Slaughter was proud to present Gentry with a Certificate of Excellence in recognition of his heroic actions and efforts to save the lives of two children.

08/14/2026

We are pleased to announce that Captain J.L. Slaughter has been promoted to Deputy Chief of the Radford City Police Department.

Deputy Chief Slaughter has been with the department since 1999. During his 27 years of service, he has risen through the ranks in the Patrol Division, supervised the Criminal Investigative Unit, served as the commander of SWAT, and most recently led as Captain of Operations.

We congratulate Deputy Chief Slaughter on this well-deserved promotion and look forward to his continued leadership and service to the Radford community.

08/12/2026

🚸 BACK TO SCHOOL SAFETY TIPS 🚸

The new school year is about to begin, the Radford City Police Department reminds everyone to slow down, stay alert, and help keep our students safe!

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents & Guardians
• Review pedestrian, bus, and road safety with your children.
• Make sure car seats and seat belts are properly secured.
• Look up the drop-off and pick-up procedures for the school your child attends before the first day!
• Leave early and allow extra time for increased traffic.

🚗 Drivers
• Slow down in school zones and residential areas.
• Watch carefully for children walking and biking.
• Never pass a stopped school bus with flashing lights.

🎒 Students
• Use sidewalks and designated crosswalks.
• Stay alert and avoid distractions.

Let’s work together to make this a safe and successful school year for everyone!

Welcome back, students!

08/03/2026

We are hiring for the position of Emergency Tele-Communicator (Dispatcher)!!!

The Radford City Police Department is currently taking applications for the position of Emergency Tele-Communicator (Dispatcher). Certification by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice is preferred but not required. Our agency is an accredited agency by the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission.

Are you currently a VA DCJS Certified Dispatcher? We offer competitive salaries and incentives! Contact [email protected] for more information!

Job Description/Responsibilities:

Performs responsible skilled clerical work dispatching law enforcement, fire, rescue and other equipment and personnel to emergency and non-emergency requests for service using the computer-aided dispatch (CAD) and other computer related systems; assists the public with informational requests; forwarding other calls to appropriate person(s) and performing data entry.

Qualifications:

Applicant must possess, or be eligible to obtain, Virginia certification as an Emergency Tele-Communicator. Pass a rigorous background investigation, pass a written aptitude test and must pass a psychological and a physical examination. You must be 18 years or older with a clean driving record and no criminal history and have any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school.

Applications can be obtained on the Radford City Police Departments Website www.Radfordcitypolice.org or be picked up at:

Radford City Police Department

20 Robertson Street

Radford, Va. 24141

All completed applications must be submitted to the above address, either by mail or in person you can also email your applications [email protected], Applicants are encouraged to provide a resume and cover letter with the city application. You may also attach letters of recommendation but no other documents are needed at this time.

The City of Radford is an equal opportunity employer that values and welcomes diversity in our workforce. To this end, we strongly encourage all qualified persons to apply.