Groundbreaking Martinsville police officer retires (2024)

Martinsville’s first Black woman police officer is retiring after 32 years of service.

Friends, family and coworkers gathered in the cafeteria at Martinsville High School Monday evening to celebrate the retirement of one of Martinsville’s most beloved police officers, Coretha Gravely.

After 15 years at American Furniture, Gravely joined the Martinsville Police Department on March 1, 1991. In 1994 the department started a new community policing unit and Gravely became one of the unit’s first members. Through her service, she defined what community policing is in Martinsville, said Martinsville Police Chief Rob Fincher.

“Your sacrifices, courage and resilience have not gone unnoticed,” Fincher said to Gravely at the celebration. “The challenges you faced were numerous, yet you faced them with strength and determination. Your years of service have undoubtedly made our community a safer and better place to live. In a world that sometimes seems chaotic, you stood out as a beacon of hope and love. Your commitment to the principles of integrity, duty and honor set a shining example for all of our fellow police officers and inspire trust among our citizens.”

Fincher added that it was always obvious that Gravely’s actions were done with the love of God in her heart.

“In fact, I believe that’s the reason why everyone, and I mean everyone, loves Coretha, is because they can see the love of Christ in her eyes,” Fincher said. “I can think of no better compliment than that.”

Among the many organizations that included Gravely’s participation, she has been active in various Neighborhood Watch groups, Special Olympics, Relay for Life, Boys and Girls Club, Martinsville City Public Schools, Seniors and Law Enforcement Together (SALT), and the Senior Citizens Academy.

In 1999 and again in 2002, Gravely was named the Martinsville Exchange Club Officer of the Year. In 2000, she was named the Martinsville Officer of the Year by her department, and in 2003 the Fontaine Ruritan Club named her Officer of the Year.

“Her file is so thick with letters of commendation and letters of appreciation, I couldn’t even imagine trying to go through all of them,” Fincher said.

Mayor LC Jones read, and then presented Gravely with a proclamation from the city of Martinsville, recognizing her years of service.

As of Tuesday morning, the department’s Facebook post of Gravely’s retirement had 303 comments.

“Congratulations to a wonderful person and professional,” wrote Clarence Monday, former city manager.

“God bless you, Coretha, for your service to our citizens and to your fellow officers that have adored you,” wrote Mark Stroud, former councilman.

“Congratulations Coretha,” wrote Councilwoman Kathy Lawson. “Well-deserved celebration.”

“I remember her as being one of the best and most caring,” wrote Scott Kizner, former Martinsville school superintendent.

“This lady is a wonderful example of a community servant,” wrote Glenn Wood. “I so appreciated being able to serve with her on the Salvation Army board.”

“Thank you for your service to the citizens of Martinsville,” wrote Tim Porter, former Martinsville Police Officer. “Those of us that know you are proud to call you our friend and sister in Christ.”

Gravely is an ordained elder at Mount Zion United Holy Church in Martinsville. Her pastor, Elder Lavarra Hagwood, attended the celebration and presented Gravely with a plaque in recognition of her service to the community and her church.

“At church she’s my adjutant,” said Hagwood. “She’s a Sunday school teacher and she sees to our needs.”

Said Fincher: “As you transition into retirement, I hope that this new chapter brings you peace, joy and relaxation that you so richly deserve.”