Captain Harper was born and raised in Louisa County. He attended Louisa County Public Schools, graduating from Louisa County High School in 1997. During childhood, he was exposed to emergency services at an early age through his father’s participation in the Mineral Volunteer Fire Department. It was also thanks to his father that he had the opportunity to observe local government in action through his father’s service on the Board of Supervisors for more than twenty years. In 1997, Captain Harper joined the United States Marine Corps Reserve and attended Piedmont Virginia Community College where he majored in Police Science. In January 2001, Captain Harper was hired by the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office as a Deputy Sheriff in the Patrol Division. He graduated from The Central Shenandoah Criminal Justice Training Academy in May of 2001. In February of 2003, his Marine Corps Reserve unit was activated in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in the Global War on Terrorism. He served on active duty until September of 2003 when he was deactivated and returned to service with the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office. While serving in the patrol division, he was promoted to the rank of Corporal. A few years later, he was promoted once again to the rank of Sergeant, and in January of 2014 to the rank of Lieutenant. He served as a Lieutenant until February of 2019, when he was promoted to Captain where he currently manages the Court Services Division of the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office. During his career, Captain Harper was recognized as the Louisa County Crime Solvers Law Enforcement Officer of the Year in January of 2004. He has been recognized three times by the James River Alcohol Safety Action Program for most DUI arrests in a year and twice by the Louisa Narcotics Task Force for most drug arrests in a year. During his career with the Sheriff’s Office he has obtained numerous law enforcement related certifications, to include serving regularly as a driving instructor within the department and at the Rappahannock Regional Law Enforcement Academy in Fredericksburg, VA. |