As Winchester, Virginia Police Chief Ronnie Lewis embraces his latest role, he recently shared that he’s thankful to continue fulfilling his lifelong passion for community service in a department that has delivered over 200 years of continuous service.

Grateful for experience gained while dedicating 28 years to the field of public safety, most recently as the Chief of Police in Bedford, Virginia, Lewis was joined by family members as he shared his thoughts with Winchester community members and leaders as part of his swearing-in ceremony remarks.

After paying tribute to Sergeant Ricky Timbrook and Officer Hunter Edwards, the only two officers of the department who had lost their lives in the line of duty, Lewis shared an anecdote that resonates with his leadership style. While describing a man on horseback who came across a commander overseeing soldiers who were digging a trench to prepare for battle, the man on horseback asked the commander why he wasn’t helping the soldiers dig. The commander responded that he was a ‘leader,’ and was there to tell the soldiers what to do. The man on horseback then got off his horse, picked up a shovel, and helped the soldiers dig until the task was complete. Lewis then relayed that the man got out of the trench, looked at the commander, and said, ‘The next time that your rank prevents you from getting in that trench and helping your people, you’re going to come to top command and we’re going to fix that.’ Lewis then shared that the man on the horse was General George Washington, who spent a decade in the area in the 1700s as a politician, military commander, and surveyor.

Lewis also pays tribute to the black civil rights leaders who have paved the way for future generations.  “They opened the door, creating opportunities for me to succeed. My responsibility is to keep that door open wider so that those who follow can achieve even greater success than I have,” said Lewis who shared that he is inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King daily. “In my office, I have a picture of him and my favorite quote by him, ‘Darkness cannot drive out darkness; Only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; Only love can do that,’” he said.

In addition to joining his team members in the trenches when necessary, Lewis looks forward to applying his extensive experience in community relations, risk management, and law enforcement operations to collaborate with a variety of community partners and says his experience in the field has provided a strong foundation. “It has made my transition into my current chief position a lot easier. I know what to expect and I have been able to develop a network of different people and organizations that can help when I need assistance or my organization needs assistance,” he said.

Lewis also credits his Keiser University educational experience as part of the foundation that supports his career of service. “Keiser was a huge help because it gave me the confidence that I can be successful finishing challenging goals,” he said while thanking ‘patient and helpful’ Keiser University staff members and sharing that he has worked to exemplify those traits with team members.

When asked what he’d recommend to others who are striving to realize their goals, Lewis suggested that the cumulative effect of delving into a task without hesitation and maintaining a focus on accomplishing it will lead to ultimate success. “I recommend that you have to “Just Start,” and each day keep moving forward, eventually you will reach your goals. Don’t focus on all of the steps ahead of you just take one step at a time, but start don’t procrastinate,” he said.

A native of Rustburg, Virginia, Lewis graduated from Keiser University’s Sarasota campus in 2005 with an Associate of Arts degree in Fire Science and went on to earn his Keiser Bachelor of Business degree in Business Administration in 2008 followed by his Master of Science degree in Management from Kaplan University. According to the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police, he served the Lynchburg, Virginia Fire Department as a firefighter and emergency medical technician and later worked as a Loudoun County deputy sheriff. He then joined the Fairfax Police Department in 2011 and advanced to earn the rank of captain.

Keiser University’s Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration focuses on an in-depth study of the functional areas of business, the business environment including ethical business practices, and technical and communication skills needed in today’s business environment.  The program offers various concentrations that allow students to specialize in a specific business discipline to enhance their career opportunities within that field. The program includes opportunities for students to apply skills and knowledge learned throughout the program.

Since 1977, Keiser University has been empowering students like you to achieve their career dreams. As one of Florida’s largest private, non-profit institutions, founded by Dr. Arthur Keiser and Evelyn Keiser, we’re committed to your success with:

  • Over 100 degree programs from associate to doctoral level
  • Recognition as the No. 1 university in the U.S. for Social Mobility by U.S. News & World Reports (2023)
  • Proud membership in the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities
  • A legacy of excellence in education spanning more than 45 years