FORMER MAYOR DANNY TURNER REMEMBERS SHERIFF STEVE DRAPER: ‘A LIFE OF SERVICE’
MARTINSVILLE, Va. — The Martinsville and Henry County community continues to mourn the death of Sheriff Steve Draper, and former Martinsville Mayor Danny Turner is among those remembering the longtime law enforcement leader.
Draper died following an extended hospitalization, bringing an outpouring of condolences from residents, elected officials, law enforcement agencies and people who knew him throughout his years of service.
Turner, who served as Martinsville mayor and on City Council, had a long history of working alongside Draper during his time in local government.
Draper was widely known throughout the community and was recognized as one of Virginia's longest-serving sheriffs. His career stretched across decades of service to Martinsville and its residents.
For Turner and many others who worked with Draper, his passing represents the loss of more than a sheriff — it represents the loss of a familiar face and longtime public servant who became a fixture in the community.
Tributes have continued to come from law enforcement agencies throughout Virginia and beyond as word of Draper's death spread.
The Henry County Sheriff's Office also publicly mourned Draper, joining the local law enforcement community in remembering his service.
The community that spent recent weeks praying for Draper is now coming together to remember his life, his service and the people he touched along the way.
Original Facebook source: Open post
Source note: Star News TV · Aug 31, 2026 7:45 PM.