Two candidates are running for Roanoke City Sheriff.
Antonio D. Hash
Age: 46
Family: One child
Job: Master Deputy working in the schools as a resource officer prior to running for office.
Party affiliation: Democrat
Prior elected office: First elected sheriff in 2021
Other public service: 16-year veteran of the Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office
Education: Graduate, William Fleming High School.
Q&A quote: “I am running for re-election because people have entrusted me for the past four years and I am still committed to changing the culture and building on that trust. I bring a wealth of professional expertise to this role, including key certifications and leadership experience. I have been instrumental in the department’s accreditation process and am a strong proponent of continuous learning, having completed both the National Sheriffs’ Institute, Jail Administration, and Leadership Development Courses. I am committed to service and community.”
“I am a passionate advocate for mental health. Under my leadership, we launched R(IGNITE), a rehabilitation and support program for residents of the Roanoke City Adult Detention Center, and established a Peer Support Team for both sworn and non-sworn staff. These initiatives reflect a broader mission: to build trust, foster collaboration, and promote the well-being of both the community and those who serve it.”
“Keeping our children and families safe is my highest priority. In Roanoke, one of the greatest challenges we face is gun violence, and while no single agency can solve it alone, the Sheriff’s Office is committed to being part of the solution. Our focus is on prevention, education, and building trust so that we can stop problems before they start. That work begins in our schools. The Sheriff’s Office is responsible for security in all 17 Roanoke City elementary schools, but our role goes beyond providing safety. Our School Resource Officers work every day to build positive relationships with students, parents, and teachers. Through programs like DARE, we teach children the skills they need to make safe and responsible choices, while also giving them deputies they can turn to as mentors. Those relationships matter as they often open the door for a child to share concerns and fears. We also are there to support families in crisis.”
“I know the pain that gun violence causes is real. That is why I believe prevention is so important. By focusing on education, early intervention, and collaboration, we can build a safer, stronger Roanoke City together.”
“Under my leadership, the Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office is and will remain focused on creating a safer, stronger, and more inclusive Roanoke, guided by values of diversity, equity, and unity.”
James W. Creasy
Age: 42
Family: Wife and five children
Job: Roanoke Sheriff’s Office, 24 years of service. Retired temporarily on Aug. 4 to campaign three months full time.
Party affiliation: Republican
Prior elected office: NA
Other public service: Started at the Roanoke Sheriff’s Office when I was 18. Class President of the 63rd Law Enforcement Academy at Cardinal Criminal Justice Academy.
Education: Graduate, William Fleming High School.
Q&A quote: “I’m running for Sheriff because I’ve spent 24 years serving this community as a Deputy and Sergeant, and I’ve seen firsthand how low the morale is at the Sheriff’s Office.
“Crime and homelessness are out of control. Right now, folks are worried about rising property crimes, mental health crises overwhelming our resources, and a disconnect between law enforcement and the neighborhoods we protect. I believe the Sheriff’s office should be a true partner in solving these and not just responding to them.
“My vision is straightforward: Build trust through transparency, like community outreach service, provided by Deputies assigned to our Law Enforcement Division, to prevent crime before it happens. I will prioritize de-escalation and support services to keep families whole instead of torn apart.
“I’ve got the experience to lead with integrity, the relationships to bridge divides, and the commitment to put people over politics. This isn’t about a badge, it’s about making our streets safer, our kids a bright future , and our community unbreakable. That’s why I’m in this race, and that’s the Sheriff I’ll be.”
Laurence Hammack (540) 981-3239
laurence.hammack@roanoke.com
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