When VMI graduates identify themselves, they simply use their name and the year they graduated from “The Institute.” Deputy Charles Havasy ’73 and two other VMI Alumni, Judge Robert E. Reibach, ‘77 and Judge John Franklin ’90, were recently featured in the VMI Alumni Review. The magazine reflected upon their work in the VMI service tradition and described their collaborative efforts this way, “The work and subject matter is often difficult, but teamwork and comradery guide the alumni in their daily interactions as they fairly serve Stafford County.”

Deputy Havasy comes from a big Stafford family where public service was a common bond. His four older brothers went into the Navy. Deputy Havasy, the fifth boy, served in the Army after graduating from Stafford High School in 1969 and then “The Institute” in 1973.

After military service, Deputy Havasy earned his M.B.A. at Virginia Tech, worked in the Blacksburg area for a few years, then returned to Stafford in 1983. He worked in the insurance and investment industry for 22 years, but he truly missed the personal satisfaction of serving the public.

Several family members were in law enforcement and when their guidance was offered one remarked, “Law Enforcement likes a little gray hair.” So the man with “not much hair” decided to investigate a change of career. He applied to the Sheriff’s Office and at the age of 57 aced the physical testing necessary to join the agency and attended the Rappahannock Regional Justice Academy where he received the Charles E. Murray, Jr. Award for top achievement. Deputy Havasy now serves in the Courts Division. He loves the comradery and confidently says “Everyone in this unit is a first class officer and we support each other 100%!”

“I love serving the public. Between 800 – 1300 people come through the front door of the Courthouse every day. Many of them are here for the first time and do not know how to navigate the system. They are often here to support someone or have questions about the process. We treat them with the respect and dignity they deserve,” says Deputy Havasy.

At the age of 67, Deputy Havasy is the oldest sworn member of our agency. “I am proud to put on my uniform every day, as I have done for the last 9 years. My position in Court Services has allowed me to enjoy my weekends with my wonderful wife, children and now grandchildren. I’m very proud to serve my County and its citizens, work with outstanding people, and still enjoy my family life. In the end, no one is going to ask you how many days you were at work.”