VIRGINIA BEACH — The Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office appointed its first LGBT liaison Friday.
The position was created to ensure safe and fair working conditions within the department as well as bridge any divides between the LGBT community and the department, according to a press release.
The officer appointed, Cpl. Guy Saucier, has worked with the VBSO for over 20 years and most recently served as an instructor in firearms and the crisis intervention. He also spent six years in Air Force Security.
“I am honored to accept the appointment by Sheriff Stolle as the LGBT liaison for the
Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office,” he was quoted in the release. “I look forward to working with our community in this role and serving as a resource and advocate for LGBT individuals at the Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office and at large.”
Hampton Roads Pride, a local non-profit dedicated to representing the LGBT community, has pushed for such positions in area police departments.
“This appointment represents the ninth liaison position created at a principal Hampton Roads law enforcement agency and is a reflection of our collective desire to build mutual trust and understanding,” its president Michael Berlucchi said. “We are fully committed to doing everything we can to support the work of the Sheriff’s Office to promote equity and inclusion in the workplace and in our community.”
