Remember the Fallen, for those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard, but always near. Still loved and missed every day. God Bless all our heroes.
Our classrooms at the Academy are named after deceased officers:
Terry Barker
Died on December 8, 2004 of a heart attack conducting a surveillance operation while on duty at the Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office.
Frankie Betterton
Shot and killed interviewing a subject on May 17, 2002 while on duty at the Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office.
Jonathan Bowling
Killed in Iraq while employed by the Martinsville Police Department, serving with the United States Marines.
Courtney Dickerson
Died in a car accident responding to a call while on duty at the Danville Police Department.
Chris Doyle
Died of cancer while employed with the Danville Police Department.
Eric D. Goff, II
Died on November 18, 2019 while employed with the Danville Police Department.
Roy D. Lineberry
Died of cancer while employed at the
Henry County Sheriff’s Office.
Michael Gourley
He was a Danville Police Officer who later died on June 24, 2023.
Michael Gourley Foundation-Recruit Scholarship
Sgt Michael Gourley was a bright soul who left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of crossing his path. Despite his time being cut short, his legacy of kindness, generosity, and love resonates deeply within everyone who met him. Michael's devotion to his family and unwavering commitment to friendships endeared him to all fortunate enough to know him. Michael graduated with honors from Radford University in 2008 with a degree in Criminal Justice. He furthered his education by obtaining a Master’s Degree in Business from Arkansas University in 2017.
Beyond academia, Michael's true calling was his service to the community. For 12 years, he served as a dedicated Police Officer and Investigator at the Danville Police Department, embodying the values of compassion and unwavering dedication in his work. To honor his memory and continue his impactful legacy, the Michael Gourley Foundation aims to support officers by providing assistance through the Piedmont Criminal Justice Academy. In 2009, graduating from the Piedmont Criminal Justice Academy, we learned the motto "Deeds, not words." Michael's life not only reflected this statement but also embodied it in everything he did.
Questions on the scholarship to attend our academy, contact: agdoughty@mail.com
Beyond academia, Michael's true calling was his service to the community. For 12 years, he served as a dedicated Police Officer and Investigator at the Danville Police Department, embodying the values of compassion and unwavering dedication in his work. To honor his memory and continue his impactful legacy, the Michael Gourley Foundation aims to support officers by providing assistance through the Piedmont Criminal Justice Academy. In 2009, graduating from the Piedmont Criminal Justice Academy, we learned the motto "Deeds, not words." Michael's life not only reflected this statement but also embodied it in everything he did.
Questions on the scholarship to attend our academy, contact: agdoughty@mail.com