Balderson W R Rob

Sheriff W.R. “Rob” Balderson BIO

Sheriff W.R. "Rob" Balderson, is a native of Essex County, Virginia.  He earned an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice from J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College in Richmond, Virginia and a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. Sheriff Balderson began his career in Law Enforcement in 1997 with the Department of Corrections where he served in several positions within the security section. In 1999, Sheriff Balderson started his career with the King and Queen County Sheriff’s Office. During his career with King and Queen County Sheriff’s Office, he has served in several positions, including Patrol, School Resource Officer, DARE Officer, General Investigations, Accreditation Manager, Criminal Investigations, Drug Investigations, Lieutenant, And Chief Deputy. On January 1, 2023, Balderson was appointed Sheriff and served out an unexpired term till he won his election for Sheriff in 2023, taking office on January 1, 2024. 

During Balderson’s law enforcement career, he became a general instructor through the Department of Criminal Justice Services.  He is an instructor through ALERRT (Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training). He is an instructor from ASP in expandable baton and handcuffing.  He is an instructor in Incident Response to Terrorist Bombing and Response to Suicide Bombing from the Department of Homeland Security and the New Mexico Tech University. He is a graduate of the Virginia Forensic Science Academy as a crime scene technician. 

Sheriff Balderson attended a three-week training session put on by the FBI LEEDA (Law Enforcement Executive Development Association). He is a trilogy award recipient from the FBI LEEDA, an active member, and continues to take courses in leadership and employment law.

As Sheriff, Balderson led the department to be fully accredited in 2023. He is currently working to have the department designated as a certified crime prevention community. 

 Sheriff Balderson is a member and an active participant in the Virginia Sheriffs Association, where he serves on the board of directors as a regional director and on the legislative and membership committees. Sheriff Balderson was appointed to the Virginia Compensation Board master deputy program audit committee and serves as chair. Balderson is a member of the Virginia Sheriffs Institute, Virginia Chiefs of Police, Virginia Forensic Science Alumni, National Sheriffs Association, International Chiefs of Police, FBI-LEEDA, and Small & Rural Law Enforcement Association, among other fraternal and community-supported organizations. 

Sheriff Balderson has launched a new 4-step approach to reducing crime in King and Queen. The P.E.E.R. approach, P – Prevention, E-Education, E- Enforcement, R- Rehabilitation / Reentry. Sheriff Balderson’s passion within law enforcement is stopping the cycle of recidivism.  Introducing programs to the youth gives them a better chance of success in life through positive law enforcement relationships. “The cycle must be broken, and the relationship with the community must be mutual and respect driven.”