WHEREAS, the Honorable Kenneth William Stolle, who has greatly served the interests of the Commonwealth and his community in his capacity as a law-enforcement leader and officer, public servant, and attorney, retired from his position as sheriff of the City of Virginia Beach in 2023; and

WHEREAS, Kenneth "Ken" Stolle graduated from Frank W. Cox High School in Virginia Beach and earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice before embarking upon a long and illustrious career in service to others as a law-enforcement officer with the Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD); and

WHEREAS, Ken Stolle rose to the rank of sergeant with the VPBD between 1976 and 1987 and was also commissioned in the United States Naval Reserve in 1983, serving his country with honor and distinction as an intelligence officer for eight years; and

WHEREAS, Ken Stolle read law and was admitted to the Virginia State Bar in 1983, four years before he would leave the VBPD to practice law full time, first with the firm Bennett and Stolle, P.C., and later with Kaufman and Conoles; and

WHEREAS, Ken Stolle's deep commitment to the well-being of the Commonwealth and its residents led him to serve as a member of the Senate of Virginia, representing the 8th Senatorial District from 1992 to 2010; and

WHEREAS, as a member of the Senate of Virginia, Ken Stolle served as majority whip and Republican Leader pro tempore and also chaired the Senate Committee for Courts of Justice, the Virginia State Crime Commission, and the Public Safety Subcommittee of the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations; and

WHEREAS, Ken Stolle championed a number of measures in the Senate of Virginia to improve public safety, support law-enforcement officers and other first responders, promote small businesses, protect consumers, reduce taxes, ensure a robust education system for Virginia's students and families, and more; and

WHEREAS, Ken Stolle was elected sheriff of the City of Virginia Beach in 2009 and has proudly and faithfully served the city and its residents until retiring in 2023; and

WHEREAS, over his tenure as sheriff, Ken Stolle implemented an array of innovative new programs and initiatives to enhance public safety and the quality of life in Virginia Beach and to bolster his agency's ability to carry out its mission; and

WHEREAS, Ken Stolle's service to the Commonwealth has included a strong commitment to the preservation of its natural resources and wildlife, and he has been a lifelong champion for programs that improve the health of game species by reducing overpopulation; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of his tireless advocacy and service, Ken Stolle has received numerous accolades over the years, including prestigious awards from the Virginia Sheriffs' Association, Virginia State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police, Virginia Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators, Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police, and Virginia State Police Association; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Honorable Kenneth William Stolle, a pillar of the Virginia Beach community, on the occasion of his retirement as sheriff of the City of Virginia Beach; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Honorable Kenneth William Stolle as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for his remarkable legacy of service and best wishes in his future endeavors.