HONORING THE EXTRAORDINARY PUBLIC SERVICE AND LIFE OF SHERIFF STEVE DRAPER

On 2026-09-08, Representative H. Morgan Griffith (R-VA-9) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE EXTRAORDINARY PUBLIC SERVICE AND LIFE OF SHERIFF STEVE DRAPER" in the House.

HONORING THE EXTRAORDINARY PUBLIC SERVICE AND LIFE OF SHERIFF STEVE DRAPER

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 142 (Tuesday, September 8, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 142 (Tuesday, September 8, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E886-E887] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE EXTRAORDINARY PUBLIC SERVICE AND LIFE OF SHERIFF STEVE DRAPER ______ HON. H. MORGAN GRIFFITH of virginia in the house of representatives Tuesday, September 8, 2026 Mr. GRIFFITH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary public service and life [[Page E887]] of Martinsville Sheriff Steve Draper, who passed away on August 29th, at the age of 73. Sheriff Draper was born on March 26, 1953, in Martinsville, Virginia. From an early age, Mr. Draper felt a natural calling to serve his native home. His interests inspired him to volunteer for the Martinsville Volunteer Fire Department and the Martinsville Henry County Rescue. Mr. Draper held roles of firefighter, EMS provider and President of the Fire Company. These roles helped him build relations with his community and address the safety needs of the local area. More notably, Mr. Draper pursued a career in law enforcement. Mr. Draper's first stint in law enforcement is where he exercised duties as deputy sheriff in the Martinsville City Jail. As a symbol of trust and appreciation, Sheriff Draper won the support of his community in elected office. After Martinsville elected Mr. Draper to serve the Martinsville City Council, he then won election to the Martinsville Sheriff's position in 1993. Starting in 1994, Sheriff Draper would lead his Office with dedication, honor and strength. For over 30 years, Sheriff Draper made strides to foster working relationships, support law enforcement officers and keep his community safe. At the time of his passing, Sheriff Draper was the longest-serving sheriff in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Virginia Sheriff's Association, of which Sheriff Draper at one time served as President, noted Sheriff Draper was a mentor to many and a friend to law enforcement professionals throughout Virginia. A career that lasts for so long requires hard sacrifices. We are grateful to Sheriff Draper's family for supporting him throughout his career, even when job demands pulled away his attention. Sheriff Draper is survived by his wife, Donna Draper; children, Courtney Bennett (Jose Padilla) and Christopher Bennett; grandchild, Antonio Lee Bennett Padilla; and special niece, Skylar Sink. His brother, Bobby L. Draper, Jr. (Sammy); niece, Kelly Draper; cousins, Kenneth Draper (Pam Wright), Cody Draper (Natalie), Sarah Dru Draper, Laura Beth Gruettner (Todd), Katherine Eanes Amato (James), Stacy Eanes Clark (Daniel), Bill Draper (Debra), Robin Humlan (Mark), Nancy Draper Oaks (Joey), Bettie Draper Bowles (Gene), Susan Draper Thompson (Matt), Jerry Draper (Jeannie), Karen Berryman, Ann Powers, Drew Conrad, Jim Call, Susan Call, Charles Harris, Barry Harris, Rick Elkins, Ted Elkins, Chuck Alexandar and Jeffrey Alexandar. Virginia's 9th Congressional District is proud to be the home of one of Virginia's most storied law enforcement careers. Sheriff Draper's lifelong commitment to the Martinsville Henry County area will help define his legacy. Sheriff Draper exhibited some of the finest qualities, not just of a public servant or law enforcement official, but as a friend, neighbor and family man. ____________________