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Robert L. Goldman is running for Sheriff of Prince Edward County. He announced those plans in a statement earlier this week, saying he would seek the nomination from the Democratic Party of Virginia. 

After 25 years of law enforcement service, Goldman said he remains passionate about the Office of the Sheriff and looks forward to utilizing his education and training to fulfill the job duties and responsibilities required for election. 

He is running for Sheriff of Prince Edward County, Goldman said, because there is a great need for training and implementation on how to support individuals and families who deal with mental health issues. These issues also include other non-violent situations along with more pressing and extreme offenses such as street gang violence and active mass shooter training. Goldman’s hope is to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the communities. 

Goldman said he’s seen that work in other areas. An established rapport with the surrounding counties and their agencies has helped deter illegal drug activity and related violence. With his knowledge and experience in working with other jurisdictions, Goldman said he will continue to build strong connections for Prince Edward County and its neighboring residents.

“Running for sheriff is not to be taken lightly, it is a great responsibility to protect and honor the citizens of the County,” Goldman said. 

Under the direction of previous sheriffs, Goldman added he developed a keen sense of the necessary requirements to fulfill the position and the importance therein. He is more than aware of what it means to lead the Department and how exceedingly challenging the task may become. 

According to Goldman, “a sheriff must have the capability of demonstrating himself under pressure as a professional, knowledgeable, experienced, and still be a person of integrity and fairness, to do the job well.” 

Goldman said he is fully capable and very willing to accept the opportunity to execute the duties of Sheriff. If elected, he will continue to promote relationship growth and community strength with the deputies and the citizens of Prince Edward County. 

Detailing his resume 

He has built a long resume of certifications which includes serving as field training officer, first line supervisor for law enforcement, a general instructor, defensive tactics instructor, trainer for basic crisis intervention, K-9 dog handler for both Piedmont Regional Jail and Prince Edward County Sheriff’s Office with 11 years of experience. He’s also gone through basic undercover courses and studied domestic extremism and hate groups.

The education, experience and training he has received and the dedication to applying it to his own life has earned him several titles, including Lieutenant of Investigation–drug Investigations which authorized him to work along with the Drug Enforcement Agency on cases; Methamphetamine Lab; Gang Specialist; Certified Special Officer with the Virginia State Police Task Force and an Onsite Supervisor, Methamphetamine Specialist.

Officer Goldman considers law enforcement his number one passion and has held positions with Hurt Security, Central Security, Buckingham Correctional Facility and Piedmont Regional Jail, where he served from 1998-2005. He says that he still believes to this day that working for Hurt and Central led him to his first passion in life, as “people would always need security.” During his tenure with Piedmont Regional Jail, his hard work and dedication resulted in his promotion as Corporal of Transportation for inmates. 

In 2005, Robert made the decision to resign from Piedmont Regional Jail and began his career as a road deputy for the Prince Edward County Sheriff’s Office. Goldman said he has been determined from the very first day, to be his own competition at being the kind of person that people could feel free to talk with, trust, respect, and rely upon.

More about Robert Goldman and his family

A lifetime resident of Prince Edward, he briefly relocated to Richmond. While employed by the Investors Management Corporation (Golden Corral) in Farmville for 12 years, he gained extraordinary experience in leadership as a crew leader and trainer, recognizing the value of supporting employees.

While conducting his busy work schedule and coaching for the Prince Edward County School’s youth football team, he met his best friend, Edna “Reba” Trent, and they have been married since 2003. 

“She has become a key part of my life and I am grateful that she fully supports this endeavor,” he said. 

He is one of four children born and raised in Prince Edward County by his parents, the late Robert Howard Goldman and his mother Helen Marie Haskins Goldman, who still resides in the Darlington Heights area. Robert Goldman is the proud father of three adult children and grandfather of four. As a member of New Jerusalem Baptist Church, he serves on different auxiliaries; a member of the Free and Accepted Masons; and a member of the NAACP.

Officer Goldman remains actively employed with the Prince Edward County Sheriff’s Office, as a lieutenant covering different areas as instructed and he provides security for Hampden-Sydney College.

Robert Goldman said he is asking residents for their vote as Sheriff for Prince Edward County on Tuesday, November 7, 2023. 

The Democratic Committee will hold its caucus to choose candidates on May 13. That will happen at 1 pm in the conference room of the Prince Edward County Extension Service, located at 100 Dominion Drive in Farmville.