Myra Mcknight began her career in 1981 with the Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office as a corrections officer. She was a very dependable employee and never had a cross word for anyone unless they crossed her. Then she could be as tough as anyone in the department. Myra worked her way through the ranks of the Jail and obtained the rank of Sergeant / Shift supervisor. Sgt. Mcknight retired after 28 years of dedicated service to the Citizens of Alleghany County on May 1, 2009 as the first African American female and Deputy to work for the Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office. We would like to remember Sgt. Myra Mcknight for her professionalism and dedication to duty.

Judith Persinger began her career in 1989 with the Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office as a corrections officer. She was a very loyal employee and was known for taking care of her shift. Judy as everyone called her worked as a part time animal control officer and would often times go out and serve papers to assist the road deputies with their duties. Judy worked her way through the ranks and eventually obtained the rank of Sergeant / Shift supervisor. Sgt. Persinger retired after 34 years of dedicated service to the Citizens of Alleghany County on March 1, 2023. The Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office would like to remember Sgt. Judy Persinger for her professionalism and dedication to duty.

March is women’s history month. As many of you know women in law enforcement are a special breed. The two ladies mentioned above were and still are nothing short of special. I personally have worked along side them and felt very comfortable knowing that they would have my back. Many times women in law enforcement take a back seat to the men on the shift, some say they are not as strong, tactical, able. Nothing could be further from the truth. 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. They were responsible for the lives of many of your loved ones over the years and they took great pride in their assignment.

Join me in wishing a very happy women’s history month to the first two female deputies of the Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office.

Phone Numbers:
Office: 540-965-1770
Alleghany Regional Jail: 540-965-1776

Office Fax:
540-965-4915

Office Location:
268 West Main Street
Covington, Virginia 24426
* Downtown Covington

Phone Numbers:
Office: 540-965-1770
Alleghany Regional Jail: 540-965-1776

Office Fax:
540-965-4915

Office Location:
268 West Main Street
Covington, Virginia 24426
* Downtown Covington