First Black police chief in Salem Police Department’s 94-year history
On April 6, the Educational Foundation of Virginia Western Community College presented a Distinguished Alumni Award to Michael Crawley, chief of police for the City of Salem.
“Mike combines impeccable leadership, integrity and command presence with a strong sense of justice, fairness and service,” said Thomas E. Bowers, Commonwealth’s Attorney City of Salem, VA.
Chief Crawley is a Roanoke native who graduated from Patrick Henry High School in 1991. He attended Virginia Western Community College, where he met his wife, Amy in 1995, and earned his bachelor’s degree in Management and Leadership from Bluefield College.
He began his law enforcement career working as a police officer for the City of Vinton, where he was recognized for outstanding heroism in 1998 for helping to save lives in a fire at the Clearview Manor Apartments. He joined the Salem Police Department in 1999 as a patrol officer and quickly earned the respect of his colleagues and administrators.
In 2002, his peers voted him Officer of the Year, and in 2004, he was promoted to Senior Police Officer and assigned to the Special Investigations Unit of the Detective Division.
In 2006, Chief Crawley was transferred to the General Investigations Unit, where he rose to the rank of sergeant. He served as the services division sergeant and patrol divison sergeant before being appointed Deputy Chief in 2014. He is the first African-American police chief in the city department’s 94-year history.
Crawley has always been a favorite friend and valued colleague, and is a courageous community leader, dedicated to making a difference where he lives and raises his family. His impeccable reputation in the region is matched by his ability to bring out the best in those who serve and work with him.
Crawley embodies the true spirit of selfless service, field dedication and personal drive that defines a 2016 Distinguished Alumni Award honoree.
He is the son of Marjorie and the late David A. Crawley of Roanoke and he has two sisters Carla Terry and Crystal LaBrie.
