‘Continue to rest well, Dad’: Charles City deputy’s stepson has the watch on anniversary of line-of-duty death
VENN
CHARLES CITY COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- On the anniversary of his stepfather's line-of-duty death, the stepson of a Charles City County sheriff's deputy led a special radio broadcast in his memory.
On June 9, 2024, Sgt. Floyd Miles, Jr. with the Charles City County Sheriff's Office experienced a medical emergency while assisting a fellow deputy on a call. He was then taken to a local hospital, where he later died as a result of that medical emergency.
Miles was a Charles City native and had been with the sheriff's office for over a decade at the time of his death. He was beloved by his community, with more than 600 people -- including Gov. Glenn Youngkin -- attending his funeral service.
A year following this loss, on Monday, June 9, the sheriff's office decided to honor Miles' memory with a special radio broadcast. Miles' stepson was the one to deliver these remarks.
Roll call for Sgt. Floyd Miles, Jr. on June 9, the one-year anniversary of his death. (Video: Charles City County Sheriff's Office)
"One year ago today, you were called upon for a promotion to patrol the heavenly skies -- a promotion that we all, your brothers and sisters in blue, hope to get one day," Miles' stepson said on the radio. "We know when we arrive to the gates of heaven, you will be awaiting, ready to field train us and show us where you are hiding your snacks -- like you did from mom. Guiding us as you have guided many here on Earth. You have left a huge void, not only here at Charles City County Sheriff’s Office, but in the community and especially within your family. All of your family misses you -- especially me, my brothers, my mom and especially Jaylen. What we do know is that you are looking over us, smiling and proud. Continue to rest well, Dad, as we will continue to have the watch from here. You may be gone, but you will surely never be forgotten."
In the wake of Miles' death, 60-year-old Derek Croom of Portsmouth -- the person whom the deputies reportedly interacted with on that call -- was hit with multiple charges. This included one count of felony assault of a law enforcement officer, two counts of destruction of Charles City County property and one count of obstruction of justice.
During his jury trial on June 6, Croom was found not guilty of the assault charge and all other related charges had "nolle prosequi" motions filed -- meaning the county declined to prosecute.
However, court records indicate Croom was found guilty of driving while intoxicated and sentenced to 12 months in jail.
