Commending Rickey Dandridge.

2026, 1st Special Session Introduced by Scott Wyatt

The bill approves a ceremonial resolution recognizing and commending Rickey Dandridge for his decades of public safety service upon retirement.

Bill text as passed House (HR2065ER)

Purpose and Intent

To formally commend and honor Rickey Dandridge, a major with the Hanover County Sheriff's Office (HCSO), on the occasion of his retirement (April 30, 2026).

Recognition is presented by the Virginia House of Delegates in appreciation for his decades of public service and leadership in law enforcement.

Key Provisions

Resolution format: This is a House of Delegates resolution (HR), not a bill that creates law or directs state policy.

Commendation language: The resolution states that Rickey Dandridge “has promoted public safety and ensured the well-being of Hanover County and its residents,” and acknowledges his impact and leadership across HCSO divisions.

Official action: The Clerk of the House of Delegates is instructed to prepare and present a copy of the resolution to Mr. Dandridge as a formal expression of admiration and best wishes upon retirement.

Who Is Affected

Primary: Rickey Dandridge (retiring major with Hanover County Sheriff's Office).

Secondary: Hanover County community and the Commonwealth of Virginia, which are recipients of the formal commendation and public recognition.

Additionally: The resolution highlights the broader contributions of Dandridge to local law enforcement and related community organizations.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introduction and Action: HR 2065 was introduced and offered on April 23, 2026, during Special Session I.

Presentation: The resolution was presented and laid on the Speaker’s table on the same day.

Sponsors: Primary sponsor is Delegate Wyatt; co-sponsored by Delegate Scott Wyatt (noted as Co-sponsor in the record).

Nature of Action: This is a ceremonial resolution, not a legislative change, budget item, or regulatory directive. There are no fiscal implications or policy mandates contained in the text.

Notable Details

Career highlights cited include:

Long tenure with HCSO beginning in September 1981.
Advancement through ranks: deputy, sergeant (1994), command sergeant (1997), lieutenant (2003), captain (2010), major (2020).
Experience across multiple divisions (Patrol, Investigative, Administrative, Special Operations) and leadership roles.
Involvement in implementing records management, mobile computer-aided dispatch, and mobile field reporting systems.
Awards: Officer of the Year (1990), Bronze Valor Award (2001), Excellent Service Award (2025).
Community involvement with organizations such as Special Olympics Virginia, Crime Stoppers, Mechanicsville Ruritan Club, and NOBLE.

Overall Impact

The bill serves to publicly acknowledge and celebrate a long career of public service and leadership within Virginia's law-enforcement community.

It enhances recognition of local contributions to public safety in Hanover County and the Commonwealth, without altering laws, regulations, or state funding.

If you’d like, I can adapt this summary to include a brief biographical sidebar or compare with similar ceremonial resolutions.

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