06/01/2026
This month, the Strasburg Police Department is proud to spotlight Officer Michael Kelchner for his dedication, professionalism, and service to the community.
Officer Kelchner is currently assigned to patrol and has been with SPD for 6 months. Before joining our department, he served 5 years in law enforcement, including 2.5 years with the Howard County Sheriff’s Office in Maryland where he worked patrol, the Domestic Violence Unit, and the Warrant Fugitive Unit. He also spent 2.5 years with the Clearwater Police Department in Florida assigned to patrol and the Traffic Enforcement Team, where he served as a Traffic Homicide Investigator and Drug Recognition Expert (DRE).
Officer Kelchner remains certified as a DRE in Virginia and is one of approximately 75 certified Drug Recognition Experts in the Commonwealth. Nationwide, only a very small percentage of officers earn this certification due to the rigorous and specialized training required. He describes earning the certification as one of the hardest accomplishments of his career and something he is extremely proud of.
What Officer Kelchner enjoys most about SPD is the small-town atmosphere and strong sense of community. He appreciates being able to interact with residents outside of calls for service, whether it’s talking with community members or playing basketball at the park. He also values working for a department where supervisors remain active on patrol and involved with the community.
Outside of work, Officer Kelchner enjoys spending time with his wife, family, friends, and pets. He also enjoys sports, camping, traveling, technology, and home improvement projects.
His advice to fellow officers is simple but meaningful: “Always treat people with integrity and respect. We get called to people on their worst days. Always do what’s right whether someone is watching or not.”
Thank you, Officer Kelchner, for your continued service and commitment to the Strasburg community!
