Darrell Dickenson
Darrell Dickenson is a seasoned law enforcement professional with over 20 years of service, currently serving as the Training Coordinator, Range Master, Accreditation Manager, and Public Information Officer for the Bristol Virginia Police Department. He also serves as the Executive Director of the Southwest Academy Training Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening public safety through enhanced training resources and collaboration across Southwest Virginia.
From 2020 to 2025, Darrell served as a Training Coordinator for the Southwest Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy (SVCJTA), where he became a driving force in shaping the training and professional development of law enforcement officers across the region. In this role, he elevated academy programs, enhanced instructional standards, and built strong partnerships that continue to benefit public safety agencies throughout Southwest Virginia.
Darrell began his law enforcement career with the Bristol Virginia Sheriff’s Office as a Jail Deputy before joining the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, where he served in a wide range of assignments, including Patrol, Sergeant of Administration/Training, Field Training Officer, Range Master, Armorer, Public Information Officer, and Accreditation Manager. These experiences gave him a unique perspective on both frontline operations and organizational leadership.
A Virginia DCJS-certified instructor for more than 17 years, Darrell has taught extensively in both basic and advanced law enforcement programs. His instructional expertise spans classroom-based and skills-based disciplines, including General Instructor development, leadership courses, communications, and constitutional law, alongside specialized training in Firearms (Pistol, Shotgun, Rifle), Pistol Mounted Optics, Vehicle Close Quarter Battle (VCQB), High Risk Vehicle Stops (HRVS), SWAT Basic, Defensive Tactics, Emergency Vehicle Operations, Active Shooter Response, Tactical Medicine, and Less Lethal Techniques. He also holds advanced certifications as a Master Firearms Instructor, Range Master, Armorer (Smith & Wesson, Glock, Colt, and Benelli), ALERRT Instructor, and BolaWrap Master Instructor. This broad foundation allows him to prepare officers not only for tactical readiness, but also for the leadership, communication, and decision-making demands of modern policing.
Through his leadership in agency training, academy instruction, and nonprofit development, Darrell has dedicated his career to empowering officers with the skills, resources, and professional standards necessary to serve their communities with integrity, safety, and excellence.