Two women deputies honored as ‘pioneers’ by Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office
ALLEGHANY COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) — For decades, women around the world have continued to pave the way in career paths, women’s rights, and more. And one local sheriff’s office is honoring two women who made their mark in history with the department.
Myra McKnight began her career in 1981 as a corrections officer with the Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office. Over her 28-year career, she worked her way up the ranks of the jail and obtained the rank of a Sergeant/ Shift Supervisor.
McKnight is the first African American female and deputy to work for the Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office.
Sgt. McKnight retired on May 1, 2009.
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Eight years later, Judith Persinger joined the office as a corrections officer. For 34 years, she dedicated herself to the community and worked part-time as an animal control officer.
During her career, Persinger became a Sergeant and Shift Supervisor and retired on March 1, 2023.
These women and the current women of the Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office are among the best and can be counted on to pull their weight in a fight or anywhere else for that matter. It is with great pride that I mention these two pioneers in the field of Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office history to you,”
said the sheriff’s office in a Facebook post.
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