My father, Herbert Gray Cooley, was born in rural Grayson County on October 25, 1942. He graduated from Galax High School and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina, followed by a master’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond.
Before beginning what would become a 45-year career in law enforcement, my father served four years in the United States Coast Guard as a radio operator. In 1966, he joined the High Point Police Department, where he worked his way through the ranks as a patrol officer, traffic officer, detective, and ultimately narcotics sergeant. After eight years with the department, he joined the North Carolina Office of the Public Defender before returning to his Southwest Virginia roots in 1980 to serve as Chief Deputy of the Wythe County Sheriff’s Office.
During his 14 years in Wythe County, my father helped shape much of the community we live in today. Many of the initiatives he put in place continue to make Wytheville safer—not just for residents, but for future generations, including his granddaughter Bella, who can walk its streets because of the protections he helped establish. As longtime chairman of the Transportation Safety Commission, he played a critical role in implementing traffic safety ordinances that continue to save lives. As Chief Deputy, he also launched the county’s first D.A.R.E. program, believing that prevention and education in drug resistance were just as important as enforcement. He secured numerous grants to strengthen public safety while conserving taxpayer dollars, a balance he took very seriously.
He was also instrumental in bringing the 911 emergency system to Wythe County through his leadership on the Local Emergency Planning Committee. Beyond his professional duties, my father served tirelessly in numerous civic organizations, including the American Cancer Society, the Rural Retreat Lake Authority, the Ivanhoe Civic League, and the Wytheville Masonic Lodge. He chaired committees for the Chautauqua Festival through the Wythe Arts Council and organized and coached men’s and women’s softball teams throughout the county.
One of the proudest moments of his career came in 1983, when he graduated from the FBI National Academy, training alongside officers from every U.S. state and 11 foreign countries. Being invited to attend the Academy is an honor; successfully completing it is an even rarer achievement. He later served as president of the Wytheville–Wythe–Bland Chamber of Commerce and a member of the American Legion.
In 1994, my father left Wythe County to serve as Chief of Police in Pulaski, a position he held until 2000. He then completed the final 11 years of his career as Chief of Police for the Vinton Police Department. Under his leadership, the department achieved full state accreditation through the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, becoming one of the first police departments in the Commonwealth to earn that distinction. He also served as president of the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police. In 2011, he retired after a remarkable 45-year career in public service.
As a writer, I was honored to publish Herb Cooley: The Law Enforcement Legacy of My Father, an Amazon bestselling biography released to commemorate the 50th anniversary of his entry into law enforcement. In 2024, my father was further honored with his inclusion on the Civic Monument Wall of Honor in Withers Park in Wytheville.
When he passed away peacefully on October 26, 2025—one day after his 83rd birthday—I knew immediately that establishing a scholarship would be the most meaningful way to continue his legacy. I contacted Deanna Bradbury, Director of Institutional Advancement at Wytheville Community College, who helped guide me through the process of creating the scholarship. Establishing it at WCC felt especially appropriate, as my father served as a Police Science instructor there in the 1990s. Among his former students is the current Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, Jim Harrington.
I am deeply honored to share that the Chief Herbert Gray Cooley Memorial Scholarship for Public Service has now been officially established. The scholarship is designed to assist students at Wytheville Community College who are studying Criminal Justice or pursuing careers in public service, including first responders. It supports students who face financial barriers that could otherwise derail their education, helping cover costs such as textbooks, tuition, and related expenses. Administered through the WCC Educational Foundation, the scholarship provides one-time, non-repayable assistance to students in good academic standing who live within the college’s service region. Award amounts may vary, but the mission remains constant: to keep good people moving forward.
This scholarship is a fitting tribute to a man who spent his life opening doors and saving countless lives. I am profoundly grateful to the donors who made this vision a reality: Chief Debra Duncan of the High Point University Campus Police; retired Captain Steve Campbell of the High Point Police Department; Carl and Kimberly Ayers; Bill and Faron Smith; and Kathryn Knack Hagwood, Attorney at Law, PC. Without their generosity, this scholarship would not exist.
I am also deeply thankful to Deanna Bradberry and Dr. Dean Sprinkle, President of Wytheville Community College, for helping make the scholarship official. Continued support will be essential to sustain the fund and help students year after year. Through this effort, my mission is simple: to ensure that the sacrifices and service of Herbert Gray Cooley—to this community and many others—are never forgotten.
