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Superintendent Robert Lee Suthard

Robert Suthard

Robert Suthard

Born August 5, 1931
Native of Warsaw, Virginia
Died December 2, 2009

Colonel Robert Suthard is a graduate of Cople High School, Hague, Virginia. He was employed as a heavy equipment operator prior to entering military service. Entered the United States Army in 1952. Following training as an artilleryman, transported to Korea and assigned to a 155mm howitzer unit, participating in action against North Korean/Chinese forces; succeeding promotions to Sergeant and awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service against enemy forces. Returned to the United States September 1953.

Following discharge from the Army, 1954, employed with the Virginia Highway Department in the Northern Neck. Left the highway department upon employment with the Virginia State Police as a Probationary Trooper April 1954 and assigned to Area 31, Melfa for field training under Trooper Edward Gardner. Entered the State Police Academy July 1954 as member of 26th  basic session.

Graduated from the state police academy September 1954 and assigned to Temperanceville, Area 31. Promoted to Sergeant October 1961 and assigned to Area 36, Waverly as Area Sergeant, a newly established position and area.

October 1967 promoted to Lieutenant and assigned as Assistant Safety Officer, SPHQ to succeed Lieutenant B. E. Denton, Jr. who had passed away; Captain R. M. Terry, Safety Division Commander. During this tenure under the direction of Captain Terry managed changes in the motor vehicle inspection program and intra-departmental safety programs. Graduate FBI National Academy. Member of the Board, Virginia Credit Union.

Transferred to 2nd Division, Culpeper June, 1975 as Headquarters Lieutenant to replace Lieutenant B. E. Chisholm who was transferred to SPHQ; Captain W. F. Corvello, Division Commander, J. M. Jacobs, Field Lieutenant. Promoted to Captain March 1977 as Division Commander, 2ndDivision Culpeper to replace Captain W. F. Corvello who was transferred to 5thDivision, Chespeake.

August 1979 transferred to SPHQ as commander, Property & Finance Division. June 1980 transferred to 7th Division, Fairfax, a newly created division, as Division Commander. Appointed Superintendent October 1984 by Governor Charles Robb to succeed Colonel D. M. Slane who retired, he was reappointed to the office by Governor Gerald L. Balilies in 1986.

Notable changes, events occurring during tenure as Superintendent:

  • Reorganization of the department which established the Bureaus of Field Operations, Criminal Investigation and Administrative and Support Services with the ranks of Lieutenant Colonel and Major heading each bureau.
  • Establishment of senior, master trooper and senior special agent positions with corresponding elevations in pay scales.
  • Major construction of student barracks, classrooms and the Woodson Memorial Gallery complex.
  • Established a clearing house to assist law enforcement agencies in locating missing children.
  • Implemented required seat belt use within the Department.
  • Influenced legislation establishing Virginia’s first safety belt law.
  • Department achieved accreditation from the National Commission on Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies, the second state police/highway patrol agency in the nation to be so recognized.
  • The department implemented the process of issuing licenses to the inspectors in the motor vehicle inspection program.
  • In 1987, the Data Processing Division was established as a separate entity.
  • The computerized fingerprint classification system was installed in 1987.
  • In 1988, motorcycles were returned to the department as an important tool for field operations in the highly congested traffic areas of the state.
  • An Auto Theft Unit was established within the Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
  • In 1989, the Motorist Assistance Program was implemented.
  • The Trooper Teddy program was implemented to assist in easing the mental state and injury experienced by children involved in motor vehicle crashes, each being recipient of a teddy bear from the investigating Trooper.
  • A flag designed by Colonel D. M. Slane retired, and unique to the Department was adopted for display and use by the agency.
Retired as Superintendent January, 1990 upon appointment as Secretary of Public Safety by Governor L. Douglas Wilder and succeeded by Lieutenant Colonel W. F. Corvello. Following retirement as Secretary of Public Safety in January, 1992, he founded Suthard’s Associates, a consulting firm. Selected to Chair the Virginia Credit Union Board following retirement.

Wife Lucile Hill Suthard; son Colonel Robert Lee Suthard, Jr. Retired, United States Army.
Died December 2, 2009 and interred Tankards Rest Cemetery, Exmore Virginia.