Sheriff L. J. Ayers III


			Sheriff Ayers, better known to the citizens of Amherst County as "Jimmy,” was sworn in as Sheriff on January 1, 1996. He started his second term January 1, 2000 and continues to serve the citizens of Amherst County. Sheriff Ayers has built his administration with a strong emphasis on integrity and community service. He has shown over the past several years that he holds his deputies to the same standards as he holds himself to.
	Demonstrating his strong commitment to the citizens of Amherst County, Sheriff Ayers has implemented several programs to address community issues and concerns. In 1999 using grant money he instituted the School Resource Officer (SRO) program in the High School. Since then this program has grown to include an SRO in each of the two middle schools and the alternative school. In 1997, by the creation of the Crime Prevention Unit, he has offered the citizens of Amherst tips on how not to become a victim and how to make their homes and businesses crime resistant. In 2000, Sheriff Ayers saw a burgeoning need to supplement the volunteer rescue squad system and help in its preservation. The Sheriff’s Office applied to the Office of Emergency Medical Services and was granted a license to operate as a non-transport Emergency Medical Services agency. The first law enforcement agency in Virginia to do so. This program has been credited with saving numerous lives. A native of Amherst County, Sheriff Ayers has dedicated his life to making it a safer and better place for all to live. Joining the Sheriff’s Office in 1985 he started as a correctional officer in the ‘old jail.’ Over the next ten years he worked his way up to Field Operations Sergeant, deciding in 1995 to run for Sheriff. Sheriff Ayers’ commitment to the community also extends to his personal life. He is a member of the Madison Heights Lions Club, Amherst/Monroe Ruritan Club, AF & AM Clinton Lodge #73. He and his family are members of Madison Heights Baptist Church. Sheriff Ayers and his family have been known to attend many other churches and community events including homecomings, revivals and funerals. Sheriff Ayers can be reached at LJAyers@CountyofAmherst.com or check our CONTACT page.

	Since taking office Sheriff Ayers has striven to bring the Sheriff’s Office into the 21^st century by implementing programs and services that benefit every citizen. Many of these programs where instituted and sustained utilizing both state and federal grants and local donations. Some of these programs are: K-9 U nit ~ Currently consisting of four dogs trained in narcotics detection, tracking and patrol operations. SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER (SRO) PROGRAM ~ Provides specially trained deputies in the high school, both middle schools and the alternative school. EXPLORER POST 930 ~ In cooperation with the Boy Scouts of America open to all Amherst County high school age teens offering law enforcement training and out door excursions. SPECIAL RESPONSE TEAM (SRT) ~ Provides specially trained deputies to serve search warrants and intervene in high-risk situations. EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (EMS) ~ Provides specially trained deputies to 1^st respond to medical emergencies, supplementing the counties paid and volunteer system. DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) ~ Provides the drug awareness program in each of the counties eight elementary schools. PROJECT LIFESAVER ~ A program designed to assist in locating missing Alzheimer’s patients and other at risk residents CRIME PREVENTION UNIT WE CARE – A program where the dispatchers contact by phone at-risk senior citizens daily. NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH – Neighbors watching out for neighbors. TRIAD – The coordination between police chiefs, sheriffs and citizens working together towards the safety of senior citizens. CITIZEN AND YOUTH POLICE ACADEMY – An introduction to law enforcement offered in the summers. NARCOTICS UNIT ~ A division of the investigation unit charged with the responsibility of drug enforcement. If you would like additional information about any of these programs please follow the links to their respective pages or CONTACT the Sheriff’s Office Crime Prevention Unit.

[ Home ]

* All photographs and text contained on this web site are, unless otherwise noted, the sole property of the Amherst County Sheriff's Office and may not be copied, reproduced or otherwise used with out the written permission of the Amherst County Sheriff.

Copyright © 2007 Amherst County Sheriff's Office

Contact the webmaster at pheniximages@earthlink.net