John Clair, currently the police chief of Marion, will become Blacksburg's police chief upon the July 1 retirement of Chief Todd Brewster, the town announced Wednesday.
An Army veteran, Clair has previously served as police chief in Quantico, and as an officer with the Prince William County and Dumfries police departments. He also worked in protective service roles with the U.S. Department of Justice and the State Department.
Clair
Town of Blacksburg photo
In Marion, Clair took over a department still feeling the aftereffects of the arrest of its former chief on drug charges several years before.
Clair led a "comprehensive department transformation" of its department, which has a $2.1 million budget and 22 sworn officers, according to a statement from Blacksburg's government. Marion saw a 35% reduction in overall reported crime.
In Blacksburg, Clair will lead a nationally accredited department with 70 sworn officers and 12 civilians.
鈥淲e are excited to welcome Chief Clair to Blacksburg,鈥 said Town Manager Marc Verniel. 鈥淛ohn brings a solid track record of law enforcement leadership and is well known for building trust, developing staff, and practicing community-focused policing.聽 I am confident he will be a great addition to an already outstanding team and will continue to build upon the positive culture in our nationally accredited police department.鈥
Clair holds a bachelor's degree in religion, philosophy and humanities and recently completed a master's degree in executive leadership, the town said. He's also a graduate of the Police Executive Research Forum Senior Management Institute for Police and is currently attending the UVA Sorensen Political Leaders Program.
鈥淚鈥檓 humbled to have been selected to lead a high-performing organization like the BPD and serve in such a vibrant community,鈥 Clair said. 鈥淐hief Brewster and his predecessors have built a truly first-class agency. I look forward to ensuring the staff of the BPD continues to have the tools and support they need to keep the department鈥檚 legacy strong, and Blacksburg a safe and healthy community.鈥
Clair will begin his duties with the Blacksburg Police Department on June 16.
The Smyth County News & Messenger contributed to this report.
