Sheriff Steve Draper dies

Sheriff Steve Draper dies

Martinsville Sheriff Steve Draper, Virginia’s longest-serving sitting sheriff, died Saturday following a terminal pulmonary illness. Draper had been hospitalized for several weeks. He joined the sheriff’s office in 1973 and was elected sheriff in 1993, taking office the following January. He served more than 32 years as sheriff and had just begun his ninth term. Funeral arrangements are pending.