Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced Wednesday that the head of Virginia’s largest law enforcement agency is retiring.
In an email release, Youngkin announced the retirement of Col. Gary T. Settle, who has been superintendent of the Virginia State Police since 2018.
Col. Gary Settle, superintendent of Virginia State Police, speaks during the 138th Virginia State Police Academy class graduation on Dec. 30.
ALEXA WELCH EDLUND, TIMES-DISPATCH
In the release, Settle said that serving Virginia has been the honor of his lifetime.
“As I prepare to step down, I do so with immense pride in what we have accomplished together and with full confidence in the continued excellence and integrity of this esteemed agency,” the statement read.
Settle’s retirement is slated to take effect on Feb. 1, 2025, according to Youngkin’s release. Settle was appointed superintendent in 2018 by Gov. Ralph Northam and was re-appointed by Youngkin in 2022.
Settle worked for the state police since his graduation from the Virginia State Police Academy in 1986. He briefly served a stint as sheriff of Rappahannock County, his hometown.
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From the Archives: Richmond Police Mounted Unit
Four of Richmond’s policemen found the old horse watering fountain to their mounts’ liking in its new spot at the Chamberlayne-Leigh Street triangle. It was moved from Adams and Broad Streets when improvements were made to that corner, and was filled with water, finally, this week. The policemen: (left to right) H. E. Beasley, W. L. Frick, W. J. Simcoe and C. E. Minter.
Staff
08-15-1966 (cutline): Patrolman J. L. Carlton (left), W. L. Frick in Old Stable. City has had problems obtaining new quarters for mounted squad.
Bill Lane
01-13-1965 (cutline): Police stable at Howitzers Armory, used since 1941, is to be vacated. City officials are seeking site and plan to construct new facility.
Staff photo
11-30-1967 (cutline): A police horse tied up to a signal light pole at 9th and Marshall Steets seems to be trying to decide whether to push the button and cross the street. He didnt, however, but waited until his master, Lt. H. D. Chadick, returned from duties at police headquarters across the street.
Staff photo
09-07-1979 (cutline): The life of a policeman’s horse is one of many temptations for Moose, ridden by Officer Ralph K. Ballowe. Moose is constantly under the eye of the law, but how is a horse expected to pass up a basketful of goodies such as those of the 17th Street Market? Sometimes the fruit sellers solve Moose’s problems by slipping him an apple or two.
Tommy Price
02-18-1986 (cutline): Saddles and tack lay ready for the day to start.
Staff photo
12-04-1969 (cutline): Little girl pets Jasper, horse of Patrolman Jame L. Carlton.
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09-28-1954 (cutline): A police department mount stands guard over (and in) a “no parking” zone outside the Hotel Richmond today, while officer in sight directed traffic at the entrance of Capitol Square. No tickets were in evidence when the picture was taken.
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07-23-1977 (cutline): “Rusy,” the Bureau of Police’s prize horse, bites the ribbon to open the free parking stall in the First & Merchants Copr. Shockoe Parking Deck at 12th and Cary Streets. Police officer Hal Flood is helping Rusty cut the ribbon. The horse has been on the police force for more than six years and has worked with Flood for 2 1/2 years. His beat is the Shockoe Slip area, from Eighth to 14th Street and from the State Capitol to Canal. but he spends most of his time between 12th and 13th and Cary and Main Streets.
Carl Lynn
02-18-1986 (cutline): Diamond gets his trim before his day begins patroling the streets of Richmond.
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01-17-1966 (cutline): Police Bureau’s Mounted Squad gathers on Grace Street during Inauguration Day. Mills Godwin was to become Virginia’s Governor.
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