Community Support

“In order to maintain the integrity and ensure a successful future for the Fredericksburg Sheriff’s Office, I wholeheartedly endorse Rashawn Cowles as the next Sheriff of Fredericksburg. I am confident that Rashawn will continue the mission of the Fredericksburg Sheriff’s Office, and will see that the office remains among one of the best and most professional law enforcement agencies in the region. I am also proud to say that I am endorsing a candidate who is an experienced law enforcement professional who has been servicing the City of Fredericksburg as an executive leader at the Fredericksburg Police Department for nearly 22 years. Rashawn maintains his current Law Enforcement Officer Certification through the Commonwealth of Virginia and continues to meet the annual training requirement set forth by the Department of Criminal Justice (DCJS) to maintain his certifications. Rashawn also attends advance trainings to further his expertise as an executive leader in law enforcement. During Rashawn’s tenure at the Fredericksburg Police Department, he successfully led multiple law enforcement divisions, managed a law enforcement budget, and assisted the police department in maintaining their national accreditation status. Rashawn is a college-educated candidate who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Sociology from Averett University and is actively seeking his master’s in Public Administration at Liberty University. Rashawn has taken numerous leadership courses and recently graduated from the Professional Executives Leadership School (PELS) from the University of Richmond. Rashawn’s education and experience speaks volumes as to why I know I can trust him to run a fully staffed, accredited law enforcement agency that maintains a 2.5 million dollar annual budget while still managing to keep his personnel motivated and eager to serve their community and push themselves to be the very best for the City of Fredericksburg!”

“I’m proud to endorse Rashawn Cowles as the next Sheriff for the City of Fredericksburg. Rashawn is a proven leader with deep roots in our community and a clear vision for public safety that prioritizes transparency, accountability, and compassion. His work in the Fredericksburg Police Department has prepared him for such a time as this! I trust he will serve with integrity and make a real difference for the people of Fredericksburg.”

“I am proud to endorse Rashawn Cowles for Sheriff of the City of Fredericksburg. Rashawn is a man of integrity who has served our city well for 22 years as a police officer, rising to the rank of Captain. He will make our city proud.”

“As Vice-Mayor of our great city I have come to know our public safety professionals through our work together over the years as I have served our community. I have personally seen Captain Rashawn Cowles serve the community with great pride and professionalism. I watch him interact with the kids at Upper Lafayette Elementary School when he served as a Breakfast Buddy to participating in Peace in Da Paint in Mayfield playing basketball against the youth.

Captain Cowles is a genuine person who loves this community. He is a great example of what the kids that look like him could be if they work hard. I am looking forward to having Rashawn Cowles serve as our first African American Sheriff of Fredericksburg and of this region. I fully endorse him and I know under his leadership the Sheriff’s Office will build deeper connection with the Fredericksburg community.

Captain Cowles is qualified, committed, and the best person for the job.”

“I am pleased to endorse Captain Cowles for Sheriff. Cowles exemplifies the best in public safety. He is deeply committed to excellence and integrity. I have no doubt he will do an exceptional job leading the Sheriff's Office of Fredericksburg.”

“I have known Rashawn Cowles since he began his career with the Fredericksburg Police Department. During the last 22 years, I’ve seen Rashawn take on several different roles in the department, and also grow as a leader within the agency. I’m confident Rashawn will bring those same qualities to the Fredericksburg Sheriff’s Office.

I couldn’t think of a more qualified, dedicated, and community-focused individual to serve in that role. His integrity, professionalism, and genuine care for the people of Fredericksburg make him the ideal candidate. I fully support Rashawn Cowles for Sheriff and know he will continue to serve our community with honor and distinction.”

“It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to serve the residents and visitors of Fredericksburg for the past 50 years. I spent 46 of those years with the Fredericksburg Fire Department, where I was privileged to retire as Fire Chief. Since then, I’ve continued my service with the Fredericksburg Police Department, managing special projects, conducting background investigations, and helping to secure over $1 million in grant funding to support public safety initiatives.

Throughout my career, I have worked alongside many dedicated public servants, and I know what strong, trustworthy leadership looks like. That’s why I am proud to endorse Rashawn Cowles for Sheriff of Fredericksburg.

Rashawn is dependable, driven, and deeply committed to the safety and success of our city. He brings a wealth of experience, integrity, and vision to the role—qualities that are essential for a modern and community-centered Sheriff’s Office. His leadership will build upon the strong foundation that exists today and carry it forward with innovation, transparency, and accountability.

I believe in Rashawn’s ability to lead with honor, and I look forward to seeing him serve this community with the same dedication and heart that have defined my own career.”

For 15 years as Court Clerk and City Prosecutor i have worked closely with Rashawn. I support him because if his integrity, dedication to public safety and his hard work ethics.

“This statement of endorsement is given with genuine pride! I have known Rashawn for over 20 years and he was actually my Sergeant in the patrol division for several years. I know him to be a man of great conviction and forthrightness. I watched him as a Sergeant grow exponentially as a leader and a Police Officer and observed his rise through the ranks from afar. I have absolutely no doubt he will make a wonderful Sheriff for the City and actually I expect nothing less! Rashawn Cowles for Sheriff for the City of Fredericksburg, Virginia.”

“It is with great pleasure that I endorse Rashawn Cowles for the position of Fredericksburg City Sheriff. Having known Rashawn for over 20 years and watched him ascend through the Fredericksburg Police Department to the rank of Captain, I am confident that he is the best candidate. As Sheriff, I know he will continue to serve the Fredericksburg community with the utmost integrity and dedication. I look forward to seeing the next chapter of the Fredericksburg City Sheriff’s Department.”

“I have known Captain Cowles in a professional capacity for several years. He has worked his way up the ranks of the Fredericksburg Police Department and is well respected. He has served Fredericksburg and kept its citizens safe for 22 years. His professionalism, experience, and law enforcement certifications make him the perfect candidate to serve as our next Sheriff.”

“I’m writing in support of Rashawn Cowles because we have history! Because of my close connections to the local law enforcement community, I’ve come to know Rashawn and his wife Kim very well over the years. What stood out immediately for me is their mutual heart for the people in the region—no matter what zip code you live in. Their support extends well beyond their own families and friends to the greater community. They do it all with joy!

I worked very closely with Rashawn and the entire LEU (Law Enforcement United) team for many years as they grew in numbers and dollars raised to support statewide efforts. Whenever there was a need for leadership in a certain area, Rashawn stepped up or made sure it was filled by someone capable.

He is a selfless yet dedicated leader in all that he does. He operates with integrity and kindness. I often saw his competitive and assertive side when it came to working for charitable causes. He was always willing to stretch beyond what was thought possible and lead others to work hard for a common good.”

It is with great pride and absolute confidence that I endorse Rashawn Cowles for Sheriff. Having known Rashawn both personally and professionally for the past 16 years, I can attest that he is a man of unwavering integrity, steadfast dedication, and a true heart for people.

Rashawn has consistently proven his commitment to doing what is right, even when no one is watching. His leadership is guided by a spirit of service, not self-interest.

Over the years, I have witnessed Rashawn lead with compassion, listen with empathy, and act with courage. He exemplifies the principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability that the Fredericksburg City community deserves.

"I know Rashawn personally, and I can say without hesitation — he is one of the most genuine, community-driven individuals I’ve ever had the honor of knowing. As a former law enforcement officer and a doctoral candidate in Educational Leadership, I’ve seen both sides of what it takes to serve and to lead.

Rashawn doesn’t just wear a uniform or badge — he carries a deep responsibility for justice, fairness, and the well-being of every resident. He leads with heart, humility, and unwavering integrity.

That’s the kind of Sheriff our community deserves, and that’s why I’m proud to stand behind him with my full support."

“Throughout my career, I have worked alongside many dedicated public servants, and I know what strong, trustworthy leadership looks like. That’s why I am proud to endorse Rashawn Cowles for Sheriff of Fredericksburg.

Rashawn is dependable, driven, and deeply committed to the safety and success of our city. He brings a wealth of experience, integrity, and vision to the role—qualities that are essential for a modern and community-centered Sheriff’s Office. His leadership will build upon the strong foundation that exists today and carry it forward with innovation, transparency, and accountability.

I believe in Rashawn’s ability to lead with honor, and I look forward to seeing him serve this community with the same dedication and heart that have defined my own career.”

“As a lifelong resident of the City of Fredericksburg, a member of the Fredericksburg City School Board, and a pastor deeply committed to the well-being of our families, I am proud to endorse Rashawn Cowles for Sheriff.

Rashawn is more than just an experienced law enforcement professional — he is a man of integrity, a proven leader, and a servant of the people. His dedication to public safety, transparency, and community partnership reflects the kind of leadership our city deserves.

I’ve watched Rashawn serve this community with compassion and courage for over two decades. He understands the importance of engaging with our youth, supporting our schools, and building bridges between law enforcement and the community. I am confident that under his leadership, the Fredericksburg Sheriff’s Office will continue to uphold the highest standards of service and accountability.

Rashawn Cowles has my full support, and I encourage the residents of Fredericksburg to join me in voting for a Sheriff who will lead with faith, fairness, and a heart for our city.”

“I have known Rashawn Cowles since the beginning of his career with the Fredericksburg Police Department. Above all else, I can say he has demonstrated consistent care and concern for the local community. He has always done whatever was asked of him in the line of duty often going above and beyond to help anyone in need. As he grew in leadership with the department, I also had the privilege to work alongside him as a part of Team Fredericksburg in support of LEU (Law Enforcement United). We proudly joined forces to raise needed funds for those in need within law enforcement families while remembering officers killed in the line of duty.

Rashawn Cowles has been recognized and promoted within the Police Department and now he is ready to lead at another level. His commitment never waivers and his character stands strong. I am proud to have served alongside him in several capacities and initiatives over the years and fully support his candidacy for Sheriff of City of Fredericksburg. He has the experience, skills and heart to lead our local deputies forward.”