Henry County Sheriff unveils new uniform and patch design

Henry County Sheriff Wayne Davis sits at his desk beside the department’s newly unveiled shoulder patch while wearing the updated uniform. (*Screenshot of Henry County Sheriff’s Office video*)

HENRY COUNTY, Va. (rbs news now) — The Henry County Sheriff’s Office formally unveiled its new uniform and shoulder patch on November 19, the department’s first major design update in years.

Sheriff Wayne Davis discussed the change and the online chatter that quickly followed during an interview with rbs news now at the sheriff’s desk Wednesday afternoon.

The sheriff’s office posted a video of Davis unveiling the new patch and uniform on social media early Wednesday morning.

Sheriff Davis said the department began pursuing a “modern, clean look” after learning the manufacturer of its tan Class A shirts would no longer produce them which left the agency unable to replace or restock its long-standing uniform.

“We were contacted some time back and told, ‘You can no longer purchase this shirt,’” Davis said. “That really made us put more effort into it and decide it was time to change.”

The sheriff noted that Henry County was actually behind many nearby agencies that have already moved away from traditional brown uniforms.

Martinsville, Franklin County, Danville, and even Fairfax County, one of Virginia’s largest sheriff’s offices, have all transitioned to updated designs in recent years.

The new county uniform retains black trousers but features a gray shirt, chosen for long-term availability and better alignment with the agency’s black-and-gray patrol vehicles.

One of the biggest misconceptions circulating online, Davis said, was the belief that the agency replaced its metal badges, a misunderstanding that led to criticism of alleged spending.

“To be clear, we are not changing badges,” Davis said. “We’re keeping the same metal badge we’ve always had — for as long as I’m sheriff.”

The only change is the embroidered shoulder patch, which costs less than $2 per patch.

Davis said the agency intentionally avoided using taxpayer funding.

Instead, the patches were purchased with asset forfeiture proceeds — funds legally awarded to law enforcement following narcotics investigations.

“There was chatter online about donating that money to the warming shelter, to the animal shelter, to fix potholes,” Davis said. “But legally, we cannot do that. It’s against state law.”

He outlined the strict legal process governing forfeiture funds:

Funds can only be used after a suspect is convicted of a narcotics offense.
A separate civil proceeding must award assets to law enforcement.
The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services receives a percentage off the top.
Remaining funds are split between the Commonwealth’s Attorney and the Sheriff’s Office.
Every expenditure must be pre-approved by the state as a permissible use, limited to officer training, equipment, supplies, and community-law enforcement engagement.
All purchases must appear before the Henry County Board of Supervisors for approval.

“It’s a controlled, legal process with checks and balances at every step,” Davis said.

When designing the new patch, Sheriff Davis said his staff asked overwhelmingly for something patriotic.

“The common theme I heard was, ‘We want to see the American flag,’” he said.

The patch features a prominent “SHERIFF” banner, the agency’s badge, and an American flag backdrop.

Another piece of inspiration hangs directly behind Davis’s desk, a framed print of George Washington praying at Valley Forge with the words “In God We Trust.”

The artwork was given to him by his pastor when Davis announced he was running for sheriff.

“I sat here looking around for something meaningful to incorporate,” he said. “That portrait was a reminder of faith, history, and the values we serve.”

Davis said the office deliberately avoided placing anything on the patch that could become outdated, while preserving symbols he considers timeless — the American flag, the office badge, and a nod to Henry County’s founding in the late 1770s.

Davis said he has received numerous calls, messages, and requests from residents and law enforcement officers interested in obtaining the new patch.

“People want the patch,” he said. “We’ve had a tremendous outpouring of support.”

As for whether the sheriff’s office might sell patches for fundraising — particularly for its benevolent fund — Davis said the idea could be discussed once uniforms are fully outfitted.

The sheriff also hinted that the agency has several community-focused initiatives coming soon and possibly an addition to the uniforms.