Deputy Sheriff Willis Herman Ferguson, Sr.

I went to the Reginal Law Enforcement Academy at Danville Community College for 4 weeks in 1974 with Herman, It was, I think, the first time VA LEOS had to get formal training mandated by the Commonwealth. I enjoyed that time and was coming on duty when when the call come out. He was the first LEO that I remember carrying a semi auto duty weapon. He said that during his military time there,, he had to shoot a Chinese troop 30 times with his M1 carbine, only to have to resort to his 1911 .45 pistol. Shortly thereafter, I started carrying a 1911 Gold Cup pistol in .45 ACP. When I left HCSO, I lobbied the Va Beach PD to go to a semi-auto, his counsel was always in back of my mind. I retired with a 15 shot SW pistol, I never had to fire it except @ the range. Thanx Herman for your inspiration. May God and St. Michael watch over you.














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Lester Eller, Sgt. VBPD Ret.
Virginia Beach PD

August 8, 2021