Rocky Holcomb began his law enforcement career in 1991 as a Virginia Beach Deputy Sheriff Recruit.

Under the leadership of former sheriffs, Rocky served with distinction, in every division of the Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office. He launched the sheriff’s K-9 unit to assist with the discovery of narcotics and explosives as well as established the region’s first K-9 Unit dedicated to fentanyl detection. Rocky also served as Commander of the Emergency Response Team and Captain of the Criminal Intelligence Unit.

Throughout his 33 years of service, Rocky has passionately advanced the principles of transparency, respect, unity, service, and training. He has prioritized public safety initiatives and citizen accountability. A futurist, Rocky has advanced inmate mental health services, re-entry programs and alternative sentencing opportunities. Rocky continues to ensure that the Sheriff’s Office recruits and maintains premiere law enforcement deputies and personnel realizing that these team members are vital to the success of the office.

Sheriff Rocky Holcomb continues to work hard excelling in every task. His impressive dedication to public safety earned him the position of Chief Deputy in 2018. And in 2023 his leadership, experience, education, and grit facilitated his elevation to the position of Virginia Beach Sheriff.

As Sheriff, Rocky Holcomb has labored to maintain the highest standards of integrity, management, and professionalism in the Sheriff’s Office … guaranteeing the safety of his team, inmates, and the citizens of Virginia Beach.

In addition, Sheriff Holcomb is a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps and a graduate of Regent University with a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and Management.

In 2017, Rocky won a Special Election to represent the 85th District in the Virginia House of Delegates. He served during the 2017 legislative session.

On August 12, 2021, the Virginia Beach City Council unanimously appointed Rocky to fill the unexpired term of the Kempsville District seat. He then won a Special Election to keep the seat on November 8, 2022. As a member of council, Rocky served as the liaison to many boards, committees, and commissions prior to resigning on September 29, 2023, to become the Sheriff of Virginia Beach.

Sheriff Holcomb and his wife of 30 years are proud residents of Virginia Beach. They have 2 adult children.