В Мартсвилле прошли прощальные мероприятия в честь 32-летнего мэра шерифа Стива Дрейпера

MARTINSVILLE — A procession that included motorcycles traveled through uptown Martinsville on Wednesday, passing the city’s police department and the sheriff’s office, where Steve Draper began a lifetime of public service more than five decades ago. The procession was part of a final farewell to Draper, the longtime Martinsville sheriff who died Saturday following a terminal pulmonary illness. He was 73. A large crowd of family members, friends and law enforcement officials from the area, region and across Virginia attended Draper’s funeral at Mercy Crossing. A visitation was held before a celebration of life officiated by the Rev. Dr. Michael Hatfield and Minister Tim Mills. The motorcycles offered a fitting tribute to a sheriff who was a longtime supporter of charitable rides, motorcycle safety programs and public service. Draper participated in rides benefiting Christmas toy programs, the March of Dimes and people facing medical or other financial hardships. He also took part in nearly every Jennifer Short Memorial Ride. Draper served more than 32 years as Martinsville’s sheriff and was ranked No. 1 on the Virginia Sheriffs’ Association’s seniority list, making him the longest-serving sheriff holding office in the commonwealth at the time of his death. He was elected in November 1993 and took office Jan. 1, 1994. Voters reelected him without opposition in November 2025, and he began his ninth term in January. Draper’s connection to the Martinsville Sheriff’s Office reached back much further. He worked as a deputy sheriff in the city jail from 1973 to 1977, serving in positions that included correctional officer, court bailiff and civil process and transportation officer. Before becoming sheriff, Draper also served as a firefighter with the Martinsville Volunteer Fire Company and as an emergency medical services provider with the Martinsville-Henry County Rescue Squad. He became president of the fire company and a captain with the rescue squad. Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS Feed | SoundStack | All Of Our Podcasts After leaving the sheriff’s office in 1977 and making an unsuccessful bid for sheriff, Draper operated a gas station and a mobile car-cleaning business. From 1980 to 1993, he worked as safety, security and health director at Pannill Knitting Co., later acquired by Sara Lee Corp. He was elected to the Martinsville City Council and served from 1992 until 1993, leaving the council after winning the election for sheriff. During his three decades leading the sheriff’s office, Draper worked to professionalize the department and oversaw its accreditation through the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission. His administration expanded or introduced programs including Project Lifesaver, home electronic monitoring, educational and mental health services at the jail and body-worn cameras for deputies. Other improvements during his tenure included an expansion of the jail, construction of a secure vehicle entrance, upgraded security monitoring, improved medical care for inmates and updated uniforms, weapons and radio equipment for officers. Draper also held leadership positions beyond Martinsville. He served as president of the Virginia Sheriffs’ Association from 2008 to 2009 and chaired the Piedmont Regional Criminal Justice Training Academy. His service included appointments to state panels involving motorcycle safety, motor vehicle fraud, mature drivers and criminal justice. Locally, Draper promoted Martinsville and Henry County through his work with Martinsville Speedway, where he served as director of operations from 1998 to 2012. He also helped establish the speedway’s 500 Club and served with local economic development organizations. Draper was remembered by the sheriff’s office as a leader, mentor, colleague and friend whose guidance and commitment helped shape the department. His successor, Michael Law, was appointed Monday by judges of the 21st Judicial Circuit. Law, who has 19 years of experience with the Martinsville Sheriff’s Office, will serve until a special election is held Nov. 2, 2027, to choose someone to complete Draper’s term. Draper is survived by his wife, Donna Draper; children, Courtney Bennett and Christopher Bennett; a grandchild, Antonio Lee Bennett Padilla; his brother, Bobby L. Draper Jr.; and other relatives. The family asked that donations in Draper’s memory be made to the Martinsville City Sheriff’s Benevolent Fund. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!