Daniel Summerell is a candidate for Suffolk Sheriff. His name will appear on the November 4, 2025 General Election ballot. Summerell is running against Issoufou Boubacar, and David D. Miles, the incumbent. All three are running as Independent candidates.
The first day to vote early at your local voter registration office or satellite voting location for the Nov. 4 General Election is Sept. 19. Find your local office at this link. On Election Day, polls are open in Virginia from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m. Click here to see who is on your ballot.
10 On Your Side reached out to all of the candidates running in this race, with a request for a bio and a list of questions to answer. The bio is unedited; this is what the candidate submitted. If you do not see the candidate listed with a profile, we did not receive one.
Name: Daniel Summerell
Age: 53
Website: Summerell for Sheriff on Facebook
Party: Independent
Biography
My name is Dan Summerell, and I’m proud to announce that I’m running for Sheriff of Suffolk. Suffolk is more than just a city to us, it’s home.
I have nearly 26 years of experience in law enforcement.
A little about me:
- Retired from the Virginia Air National Guard in 2015 after 3 combat tours and over 88 missions outside the wire.
- I am currently serving as a Sergeant with the Veterans Affairs Police in Hampton, VA.
- Former Special Agent with the Office of Personnel Management’s Federal Investigative Service.
- Lieutenant with the Department of Defense Police.
- Retired in April 2024 after 24 years of service in Portsmouth as an Auxiliary Officer, rising through the ranks from uniform patrol to Detective Bureau, and eventually retiring as Aux. Captain.
My passion for serving others was inspired by my father, who served in the Guard and Reserve for 31 years before losing his life in a military plane crash in 2001. His legacy of service has guided my every step, and I strive every day to live up to the example he set.
If you are elected, what will be your top priority in office?
My top priority as Sheriff will be protecting our children by ensuring that every school in Suffolk has a dedicated School Resource Officer (SRO). In today’s world, school safety is not optional, it’s essential. I will aggressively pursue state and federal grants to fund these positions without overburdening local taxpayers. SROs play a critical role in: Keeping campuses secure, Building positive relationships with students, And serving as the first line of defense in an emergency. Their impact goes beyond safety; they also serve as mentors, role models, and trusted adults that students can turn to. This initiative is about prevention, preparedness, and presence. Our children deserve to learn in a safe environment, and our teachers deserve the peace of mind that help is right down the hall. If elected, I’ll make it my mission to work with school officials, city leaders, and grant agencies to make this a reality quickly, efficiently, and responsibly.
What is the top challenge facing modern day law enforcement? If elected, how would you address it?
The top challenge facing modern-day law enforcement is rebuilding and maintaining public trust while adapting to evolving community expectations and safety needs. In today’s environment, deputies are not just law enforcers, they’re also mental health first responders, community liaisons, and often the first point of contact in crisis situations. That’s a heavy responsibility, and it requires both competence and compassion. If elected as Sheriff of Suffolk, my focus will be on community engagement, transparency, and accountability. We will: Invest in deputy training that goes beyond basic policing emphasizing de-escalation, cultural awareness, and behavioral health response. Establish clear communication channels so the public can see what we’re doing, why we’re doing it, and how we’re holding ourselves accountable. Create a community advisory board made up of local leaders, clergy, and residents to ensure that the Sheriff’s Office is always in touch with the people it serves. Modernize operations through smart use of technology body-worn cameras and data-driven best practices. At the root, this job is about service, not just enforcement. My approach will be rooted in integrity, visibility, and connection. The badge should be a symbol of trust, and under my leadership, we’ll earn that trust every single day.
How should local law enforcement interact with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement?
As a candidate for Sheriff of Suffolk, I think it’s important to first clarify that the Suffolk Sheriff’s Office does not perform front-line law enforcement duties like patrol or investigations, that’s the responsibility of the Suffolk Police Department. The office focuses on court security and civil process. That said, when it comes to interaction with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), I believe any cooperation should be guided by the law, public safety priorities, and constitutional rights. If ICE presents a valid judicial order or warrants within the scope of our responsibilities such as during inmate transport or courtroom security, we will follow legal procedures and ensure compliance. However, it is not the role of the Sheriff’s Office to act as immigration enforcement agents, and I would not support any policy that targets individuals based solely on immigration status. Our focus must remain on building trust with all members of our community, ensuring the fair treatment of everyone, and maintaining the integrity of our responsibilities under Virginia law. Ultimately, my priority will always be public safety, legal accountability, and equal protection under the law for every Suffolk resident.
How do you work with others you don’t agree with?
As someone running for public office, I understand that leadership isn’t about always agreeing, it’s about always listening, respecting others, and finding common ground where possible. In this role, I’ll work with judges, city officials, law enforcement agencies, school administrators, and members of the public, many of whom will have different views, priorities, or experiences. When disagreements arise, I approach them with respect, professionalism, and a focus on the mission. I won’t take things personally. I will focus on the facts, the law, and the best outcome for the people of Suffolk. At the end of the day, the badge represents service over self. My commitment is to the safety, fairness, and efficiency of the Sheriff’s Office, and that means collaborating with everyone in good faith even when we don’t see eye to eye. That’s how I’ll build trust, and that’s how real change happens.
