West Virginia Sheriffs' Association

09/07/2026

Just a few of the law enforcement field brothers and sister who rolled into Gilmer County today to support our own Sheriff Donald "Smokey" Belin!. These folks came from across West Virginia as well as North Carolina to provide back up to a great friend!

09/04/2026

The ability to support one of our own this weekend is worth repeating. Please see the fundraising benefit for Sheriff Smokey Belin this weekend in Glenville. That flyer is shown below in a separate post. He is fighting pancreatic cancer and needs the support from all of us.

Also, there is a Go Fund Me account set up for those who may not be able to make the trip this weekend and want to help. That link can be found here:

Donald E. “Smokey” Belin has spent much of his life serving others… Jimmy Schimmel needs your support for Help Donald “Smokey” Belin Fight Pancreatic Cancer

09/04/2026

08/15/2026

Of of the best people I’ve met is now in a real fight and here is a chance to support a genuinely good man. Gilmer Sheriff Smokey Belin received a recent diagnosis of pancreatic cancer and this effort is one to support him in this time of need. Please consider participating. He’s truly a public servant and needs support from those whom he took an oath to protect and serve across our state.

08/15/2026

Now Hiring, please spread the word!!!

Where else can you walk in the door and get 45 days off a year, a take home vehicle after certification, a very generous insurance package and the best co workers around?

08/02/2026

West Virginia Sheriffs are saddened at the loss of such quality in our ranks.

Monongalia County Sheriff Todd Forbes is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Detective Noah Thompson.

Detective Thompson, 27, began his career with the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office in 2018 as a Transport Officer. In 2020, he graduated from the West Virginia State Police Academy and was sworn in as a Deputy Sheriff. Demonstrating exceptional dedication and service, Deputy Thompson was promoted to the Detective Division in 2026.

“Noah was a dedicated and passionate professional who we lost too soon. Our family is smaller by one, and all of us at the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office are heartbroken by the loss of Detective Thompson,” said Sheriff Forbes. “Right now, our thoughts and prayers are with his family and everyone who had the honor to stand alongside Noah.”

#130

05/25/2026

05/06/2026

Sheriffs sought HB 4402 (which did not pass) this legislative session to work toward employing sheriffs' law enforcement personnel, with law enforcement authority, for school safety across WV. This is an example of why.

School was placed on lockdown, students eventually released early after larger than normal police response.

04/19/2026

Please see the below obituary information for Sheriff Marano

Sheriff Albert F. Marano, Jr.

Albert Frank Marano, Jr, 64, of Quiet Dell, WV, passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2026, with his family by his side, at the United Hospital Center, following a courageous battle with colorectal cancer.

He was born in Clarksburg on November 13, 1961, the son of the late Albert Frank, Sr. and Arphena Casalinuova Marano.

Albert married his wife of 33 years, Kelly McVitty Marano, on October 10, 1992. She resides at their home in Quiet Dell.

Also surviving Albert are two daughters, Gina Marano of Pittsburgh, PA and Sara Marano and fiancé Nathan Mullins of Morgantown; father-in-law, Donald McVitty and wife Marcheta; mother-in-law, Alice Gabriella; two brothers-in-law, Shannon and Bryan McVitty; sister-in-law, Debbie Canning; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Albert was a 1980 graduate of Notre Dame High School and held a bachelor’s degree from Fairmont State University.

Mr. Marano spent more than 30 years in law enforcement. During his tenure, Albert served as Deputy Sheriff, Chief Deputy, and lastly held two terms as the Sheriff of Harrison County, 2008 through 2016, where he was loved by, and cherished, the community he represented. As Sheriff, he sat on the West Virgina Sheriffs Association Board of Directors. Most recently, Albert held the position of Harrison County Circuit Clerk, from 2016, up until his passing.

Family and friends may call at the Amos Carvelli Funeral Home, 201 Edison St, Nutter Fort on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm, where a prayer vigil will be held at 7:30 pm to conclude the gathering.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 10:00 am, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 126 E. Pike St, Clarksburg, with Father Casey Mahone presiding. Interment will follow in the Holy Cross Cemetery.

https://amoscarvelli.com/funerals/obituaries/albert-frank-marano-jr/2435/

Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family at www.amoscarvelli.com. A service of Amos Carvelli Funeral Home.

Albert Frank Marano, Jr, 64, of Quiet Dell, WV, passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2026, with his family by his side, at the United Hospital Center, following a courageous battle with colorectal cance

04/17/2026

It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the passing of former Harrison County Sheriff Albert Marano. Those of you at the Christmas Meeting and Lunch may remember him where he was in attendance and spoke to the group. He was currently serving as Harrison County Circuit Clerk, since leaving as Sheriff.

Prior to his election as circuit clerk in 2016, Marano spent more than 30 years in law enforcement as a deputy sheriff, chief deputy, and served two terms as Harrison County sheriff. He was a lifelong resident of the Clarksburg community, and was first elected as sheriff 2008 and again in 2012.

Sheriff Marano served on the WVSA Board of Directors for several years.

He passed away yesterday evening after apparently battling cancer. He is survived by his wife, Kelly, and their two daughters, Sara and Gina.

Please keep Sheriff Marano's family and extended family in our prayers. Arrangements are pending at this time.