Commending Kenny B. Epling.

2026, 1st Special Session Introduced by Scott Wyatt

The bill ceremonially commends Kenny Epling for his decades of public safety service with Hanover County, recognizing his leadership and retirement without policy changes.

Bill text as passed House (HR2064ER)

Purpose and Intent

The bill is a House of Delegates resolution commemorating and recognizing the career and service of Kenny B. Epling on the occasion of his retirement from the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office.

It expresses appreciation for his years of public service, leadership, and contributions to public safety in Hanover County and the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The resolution serves as a formal ceremonial acknowledgment by the Virginia House of Delegates.

Key Provisions and Changes

Formal commendation: The primary operative provision is to commend Kenny B. Epling for his service and retirement.

Presentation of appreciation: The Clerk of the House of Delegates is directed to prepare a copy of the resolution for presentation to Mr. Epling as a token of the House’s admiration and best wishes.

No fiscal impact, policy change, or legislative mandate is included. The resolution is ceremonial in nature.

Who/What Would Be Affected

Kenny B. Epling: The recipient of the commendation upon his retirement.

Hanover County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) and the broader public safety community: Highlighted through the recognition of Epling’s long career and leadership roles.

The Virginia General Assembly: Completes a formal, ceremonial acknowledgment of a public servant’s contributions.

Procedural and Timeline Details

Status: Introduced in 2026 Special Session I; presented and laid on the Speaker’s table on April 23, 2026.

Sponsor: Primary sponsor is Delegate Wyatt; co-sponsor is Delegate Scott Wyatt.

Effective date: As a ceremonial resolution, it takes effect upon adoption by the House of Delegates.

Implementation: The Clerk is to prepare and present a copy of the resolution to Mr. Epling.

Notable Background Details (Included in Text)

Kenny Epling’s career milestones:

Seven years in the West Virginia Army National Guard; two years as a public school teacher.
Joined Hanover County Sheriff’s Office in 1992; served in patrol, crash reconstruction, field training, background investigations, and leadership roles.
Promotions: Sergeant (1997), Lieutenant (2002), Captain (date not specified), Major (May 2021).
Federal collaboration: Coordinated the DC Beltway Sniper Task Force at FBI HQ in Richmond; involved in operations related to the capture of John Allen Muhammad and Lee Boyd Malvo.
Leadership roles: Shift commander, head of Judicial Administration Division, and supervisor of civil process.

Education and training: Graduate of Concord College and Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College; attended multiple professional leadership programs.

Recognitions: Officer of the Month awards; awards from Mothers Against Drunk Driving; recognitions from judges, prosecutors, and citizens.

Plain-Language Interpretation

This bill publicly honors a long-serving sheriff’s office officer upon his retirement, documenting his career achievements and signaling the General Assembly’s appreciation for his service to the community and Commonwealth.

It does not alter laws, allocate funding, or impose new duties; it is a ceremonial gesture of commendation.

Bill