Major Dandridge began his career with the Sheriff’s Office in September 1981, when he was hired as a patrol deputy. In March 1987, he was assigned to the Investigative Division, where he investigated drug, prostitution and gambling offenses. After four years as an undercover vice/narcotics officer, he moved to General Investigations, where he managed and investigated criminal cases, processed crime scenes, and followed up on major crimes. Following this, he was assigned to the schools, serving as both a school resource officer and a DARE officer.
Major Dandridge was promoted to the rank of sergeant in 1994 and assigned to the Patrol Division supervising the patrol shifts. In 1996 he was transferred to Investigations, where he supervised both the Street Crimes Unit and Vice/Narcotics Unit. He was promoted to the rank of command sergeant in 1997 and reassigned to the Patrol Division. In October 2003, Major Dandridge was promoted to the rank of lieutenant, once again in Investigations. He returned to Patrol in March 2006, supervising and coordinating daily assignments for Midnight Shift.
Major Dandridge was promoted to captain in September 2010, where he oversaw the Vice/Narcotics and Criminal Intelligence Units. In January 2012, he moved to the Administrative Division, where he oversaw Court Services, Criminal Intelligence, Personnel and Training, Records, Evidence, Budget and Finance, IT, Crime Prevention, and Planning and Research. In April 2015, he began serving as Captain of Special Operations, which oversees Youth Services, all special teams and special operations, and the Animal Control Unit. In September 2018, he returned to Administration. Major Dandridge has served in not only every division, but nearly every unit of the Sheriff’s Office at some time in his career.
Major Dandridge received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Organizational Management from St. Paul’s College in 1998, graduating cum laude. He received an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Administration of Justice from J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College in 1996, also graduating cum laude. He has completed many specialized supervisory training schools, including the National Criminal Justice Command College, the Professional Executive Leadership School and, most recently, the Administrative Officers Course through the Southern Police Institute at the University of Louisville, Kentucky. He has received multiple awards in his law enforcement career, including Officer of the Year (1990), The Bronze Valor Award (2001), the Silver Star (2001), the Unit Citation (Midnight Shift, 2008) and several Dedication to Duty awards. He has played an integral role in Special Olympics Virginia, Crime Stoppers, the Mechanicsville Ruritan Club, and the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, to name just a few. He was instrumental in the research and implementation of the Records Management System, Mobile CAD, and Mobile Field Reporting systems currently being utilized by the Sheriff’s Office.
Major Dandridge resides in Hanover, Virginia. He has two grown children, Kaitlin and Michael. He is a licensed, instrument-rated pilot and an avid motorcycle enthusiast, whose other hobbies including boating, fishing, camping, hiking, golf, woodworking, family and friends.
