Wakie’s True Blue “People”

Farrar W. (Wakie) Howard, Jr. served as Sheriff of New Kent County Sheriff’s Office for 36 years, nine four-year terms! Wakie graduated from University of Richmond in 1975 with a major in history and a minor in government. His plans were to teach high school government and US History, but his real goal was to coach high school basketball.

After one year of teaching and before renewing his contract, Wakie went to New Kent to submit an application to the New Kent School Board for a teaching position. He ran into the Commonwealth Attorney, Kendall Lipscomb “People” He told Wakie he thought he should pick up an application for a deputy’s position. At the time he had long hair and a goatee and figured he would not even get an interview! Donald McKay “People” was the Sheriff at that time. When introduced to him, his question was “who is your Mom and Dad?” Oh, I know them, so you want to be a Deputy?” He immediately took Wakie over to the Clerk’s office and swore him in right there on the spot. He was given a car, a gun and a uniform all within one day. The car, by the way, only had half of a star on the driver’s door. The deputy who had it before chewed tobacco and the tobacco coming out of the car ate most of the star away. After giving Wakie the car, the Sheriff told him to go the next day, which was Saturday, and ride around and familiarize himself with the county. He was in total shock! “Sheriff, I do not know anything about law enforcement! What if someone stops me to ask for help?” His reply was “don’t stop, keep on going!” He drove the car home later that day and his wife, Rose, was speechless! After getting over her shock, she asked, “what is the pay?” He had to confess that he didn’t even know! He ended up with a $7,500 annual salary which was $800 more than he was making as a teacher.

Wakie says he learned so much from Sheriff McKay.  “He taught me to be respectful and kind to everyone I encountered. The art of using words instead of handcuffs.”

In November of 1979, Wakie was elected Sheriff and took office on January 1, 1980. “We had a lot of challenges ahead of us. We had no radio system; there was only me and five deputies and most of the time you worked alone.” Obviously, they had no portable radios, when you stepped out of your car you were on your own. “Sheriff McKay’s words suddenly rang clear. My first goal was to get grant money to get a radio system and start a dispatch center – easier said than done!” Finally, they got their own 911 center. It was at that time that he met one of the “most remarkable men on the face of the earth.” A young man who had been blind most of his life, Jerry Sprouse. “People.” “He was extremely smart, had a fabulous memory, and a great sese of humor, (because he would need it!)”   When Wakie interviewed him, he tried his best to “stump him on scenarios but Jerry always had an answer!” He was hired with the understanding that he would have to pass the dispatch class at the Training Academy to keep the job. His first day, he and another dispatcher signed into class.  At the first break, Wakie’s phone rang and he knew who it would be, the director of the academy! Wakie was on the Crater Training Board and knew the director well, so he planned to have some fun. The Director said, “Sheriff, we have a problem with Jerry Sprouse.” Wakie asked, “what did Jerry do wrong?.”  The director replied, “he is blind!”  Wakie responded, “He is???.”  Wakie said “the director called me everything but a Christian and told me there was no way that Jerry could pass the state test.”  Wakie told the director that he would put money on Jerry, and he ended up finishing first in his class!  Jerry would eventually end up as a Dispatch Supervisor. He was not only very intelligent but had a great sense of humor and would pick at the deputies. They would not hesitate to get back at him. They would take his sunglasses and put Post-it Notes with funny sayings on the lenses. They took him bowling, to basketball games, and water skiing, “he was game for anything.”  He was awarded Dispatcher of the Year by the Association during the convention in Staunton. When he received the award, most of the department went without him knowing and sat behind him. It wasn’t until his name was announced, that he realized they were all there in support!

Wakie is so proud of the awards the department received over the years. The Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission shows that they go above and beyond a regular certification. Joe McLaughlin “People” who followed as Sheriff was the Accreditation Manager, and New Kent was the first agency in the state to obtain a perfect score on the assessment.

The Jay Standard Baker Award for Outstanding Achievement in Highway Safety, was a national award received due to the work of Lee Bailey, “People” the current Sheriff of New Kent County and their deputies.

The Sheriff’s office has grown tremendously over the years. From a Sheriff and five deputies to over seventy-five deputies and dispatchers currently. The most important thing is that the New Kent County Sheriff’s Office is made up of “People” who care.

Wakie Howard’s service and commitment to New Kent County is lengendary!  People that know Wakie will tell you unequivocally that he is a highly respected, “salt of the earth” pillar of the community. We are proud and honored to name this cider after him.  “People”

Enjoy!