Leesburg, VA (July 21, 2023) – Thea Pirnat was officially sworn in as the Leesburg Police Department’s new Chief of Police in a ceremony at The Birkby House Thursday, July 20, 2023. 

The Clerk of the Circuit Court, Gary Clemens, issued the oath of office before the Honorable Mayor Kelly Burk pinned the badge on Chief Pirnat. Others attending the swearing-in ceremony were members of the Leesburg Town Council, local dignitaries, police chiefs from the region, and former colleagues of Chief Pirnat’s from the Fairfax County Police Department, along with her family and close friends.

Chief Pirnat comes to the Leesburg Police Department following a 23-year career with the Fairfax County Police Department, where she attained the rank of Major before being selected as Leesburg’s next Chief.

“I am excited to begin my tenure as Chief of Police of the Leesburg Police Department. From the time I first applied for this position, throughout the recruitment process, and in the weeks leading up to this moment, I have been so impressed with those I have already met both within the Department, Town staff, and local residents. I look forward to cultivating those relationships and reaching further out into the community to continue the stellar record of community policing that makes Leesburg a model for other public safety agencies,” Chief Pirnat stated.

Chief Pirnat will succeed Interim Chief Major Vanessa Grigsby, who has led the department since the retirement of former chief Gregory Brown in December 2022. Major Grigsby will continue to serve as Deputy Chief of the Police Department until her expected retirement in 2024.

Chief Pirnat’s first day at the Leesburg Police Department is Monday, July 24.

Media Contact: 
Kara Rodriguez, Public Information Officer 
pio@leesburgva.gov Ÿ 703-669-1425

Officer Michael Drogin, Public Information Officer 
mdrogin@leesburgva.gov Ÿ 703-771-4538