Steve M. Draper

Steve M. Draper was born in Martinsville in 1953 and has lived there his entire life. He graduated from Martinsville High School in 1972 and earned an Associates Degree in Administration of Justice from Patrick Henry Community College. His career in law enforcement began in 1973 at the Sheriff's Office, where he served as a Correctional Officer, court bailiff, and civil process server. In 1980, he moved to the private sector as a Safety/Security Director for Pannill Knitting Company. He was elected to the Martinsville City Council in 1991 and was sworn in as Sheriff on January 1, 1994. Draper has also been active in the community, serving with the Martinsville Volunteer Fire Company and the Martinsville Henry County Rescue Squad. He has held leadership positions such as President of the Virginia Sheriff's Association and Chairman of the Piedmont Criminal Justice Training Academy.