‘It has been an absolute honor’: Salem Police Chief retiring after nearly 25 years of service
SALEM, Va. (WFXR) — After serving the community for nearly 25 years, the Chief of Police for the City of Salem has announced his retirement is on the horizon.
On Feb. 29, Michael Crawley announced that he is retiring from the force effective June 1, 2024. He began working with the police department as a Patrol Officer in December of 1999. Just three years into the job, he was voted Officer of the Year by his peers.
During his career, Chief Crawley worked his way up the ranks and was first promoted to Senior Police Officer. In 2004, he then transferred to the Detective Division where he was assigned to the Special Investigation Unit.
Two years later, Chief Crawley transferred to General Investigations and was promoted to Sergeant in that Division.
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“It has been an absolute honor to work alongside the many men and women who have served in the Salem Police Department,” Crawley said. “While the world has changed drastically in the past few decades the commitment to serve and protect our Salem community has remained strong.”
Chief Crawley is a Roanoke native who graduated from the Virginia Western Community College and earned his bachelor’s degree in management and leadership from Bluefield College. He became the first Black Police Chief when he was named the successor of former Chief Tim Guthrie.
“His ability to analyze public policy and societal changes in order to create real results for our community has been exceptional,” said Tom Bowers, Salem Commonwealth’s Attorney. “I have learned so much from watching and working with him because he understands the true value of cultivating and maintaining relationships in order to be an effective leader. He is both a team builder and bridge builder, and I wish him nothing but the best.”
When Chief Crawley took over as Chief, he worked to obtain the department to be internationally credited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). This is considered the “gold standard” for public safety.
“I am extremely proud that we have been able to achieve these high standards and at the same time increase the overall diversity of personnel within the department on all levels,” said Crawley. “The Salem community has always been extremely supportive of our officers and made them feel appreciated.”
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