Superintendent William Gerald Massengill

Colonel William Massengill is a graduate of Four Oaks High School. Enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1961 and served as an Air Policeman with range of duties in Traffic Bureau and Security Sections of the Air Force. Following discharge from the Air Force in 1965, employed with the Virginia State Police as Probationary Trooper in October 1966 and assigned to Area 21, Campbell County for field training under Trooper Ray Keys.

Entered the State Police Academy session # 45 January 1967, graduating in July, 1967 as class president. Following graduation from the Academy in 1967, assigned to 5th Division, Area 34, Windsor, Isle of Wight County until December 1975. In December 1975 promoted to Sergeant, 4thDivision, Area 28, Claypool Hill Tazewell County to replace Sergeant Edward Chandler, who transferred. Promoted to First Sergeant July 1976 and remained assigned to command Area 28, Claypool Hill until 1979.

Graduate, summa cum laude, Southwest Virginia Community College, Associate Degree, Police Science. Graduate University of Louisville, Southern Police Institute, Administrative Officers Course. Graduate University of Louisville, Southern Police Institute, Advanced Administrative Officers Course. In 1979, recipient of special recognition from the Richlands Chamber of Commerce for outstanding achievement and contribution to the Town of Richlands.

Transferred to lst Division, Area 7, Petersburg in July 1979 to replace First Sergeant C. H. Wallace, Jr. who retired. In December 1984 promoted to Lieutenant and designated Assistant Safety Officer replacing Lieutenant J. L. Connor who was promoted to Captain; Captain R. L. Bumgardner, Commander, Safety Division, State Police Headquarters, Richmond. The position assisted with the management and administration of the statewide Motor Vehicle Inspection and Emissions Programs.

Selected to serve as Staff Assistant to Colonel R. L. Suthard, Superintendent from September 1986 to December 1987; functioned as the Superintendent’s liaison to the department’s executive staff, other state and federal law enforcement officials and political leaders at the federal, state and local levels.
December 1987 transferred to lst Division, Richmond as Field Lieutenant; Captain B. R. Belsches, Division Commander and A. D. King, Headquarters Lieutenant.

During this tenure, directed a complement of troopers assisting Police Department, Virginia Beach, when riots broke out at the beachfront in 1989. The assistance of state police was material in suppressing riot conditions. In 1990, coordinated security operations for the inauguration of Governor Douglas Wilder.

In March 1993 promoted to Captain and assigned as Division Commander, Safety Division, State Police Headquarters, Richmond to replace Captain J. P. Henries who was promoted to Major; the position was responsible for the management and administration of the Motor Vehicle Inspection Program, the Department’s Intra-Departmental Safety Program and the Commonwealth’s Uniform Accident Prevention Program.

Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in June, 1994 and designated Director of the Bureau of Field Operations to replace Lt. Colonel C. M. Robinson who retired. As Director, BFO, became responsible for multiple operational units; the statewide field divisions, Aviation Unit, Executive Protective Unit providing 24-hour security for the governor and family, and the Safety Division.

Graduate Virginia Executive Institute. In 1996, recipient of Virginia Crime Prevention Association’s O. W. Cundiff Service Award for significant and outstanding contributions to crime prevention. In 1999, called to serve as member of the Governor’s Domestic Terrorism Workgroup and Steering Committee to Governor’s Security and Preparedness Panel, holding this until 2001.

In January 2000 appointed Acting Superintendent by Governor James Gilmore following the departure of Colonel M. Wayne Huggins who had accepted a corporate position. Following a nationwide search, appointed Superintendent by Governor Gilmore June 2000. Reappointed Superintendent by Governor Mark R. Warner January 2002.