Selfe serves Marion PD as third-generation police officer
A recent graduate of the regional criminal justice academy, Officer Logan Selfe was celebrated by the Marion Town Council.
Marion PD Chief Kevin Testerman celebrates with new officers, Nathan Sherwood and Chris Parks.
Marion Mayor Avery Cornett swears in new MPD officers Chris Parks and Nathan Sherwood.
Following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, Logan Selfe is now the third generation of his family to protect and serve communities through law enforcement.
He just graduated from the Southwest Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy and is patrolling the streets of Marion under the guidance of Officer Jordan Probst.
His father, Andy, is already familiar to Smyth County residents. He served with the sheriff's department until taking a post with the Abingdon Police Department, where he currently works.
Logan said it meant everything to have his dad present last week as he was introduced to the Marion Town Council. He reflected on the gift of presence, saying his dad was also at his academy graduation and pinned his badge on.
Logan celebrated his time at the academy. Despite cold weather and challenges, he cited great classmates and many memories.
The desire to serve in law enforcement is not new to Logan.
Even in his daycare years, Logan said he knew he wanted to become a police officer. He’d always play with the police and security toys.
That desire came, he said, from observing his father and grandfather and seeing their pride in their work.
Logan remembered his grandfather, the late John “Ed” Selfe, a retired game warden, who died on May 17, 2021. The 2021 Virginia Conservation Police Annual Report shared the news of his death and said, “Ed was very highly regarded by everyone who worked with him at DWR…. From everyone at DWR, we are sincerely grateful for Ed’s… service with the department.”
Watching his grandfather get ready for work inspired him, Logan said. “He did it with such pride and honor.”
Ed, who was often a visible presence in Bland County, served as a game warden for 23 years, from 1979 to 2002.
Logan is grateful for second chances. He’d applied to the Marion Police Department once before and it didn’t work out.
When he reapplied, Logan said Chief Kevin Testerman talked him through what he needed to do.
Asked why he gave Logan a second change, Testerman said, “His personality really stands out above others. You can also tell he’s a quick thinker when discussing different topics.”
After the town council meeting, Logan described himself as “blessed and grateful”.
While living in Marion now, Logan grew up in Fort Chiswell. When he is not working, he enjoys outdoor activities, including camping and hunting, and hanging out with friends and family.
Logan is not the only member of his generation carrying on his family’s legacy. He has a brother wrapping up training in the New River Criminal Justice Training Academy and will soon join the Wytheville Police Department.
New Officers
During the council meeting, Testerman also introduced two new MPD officers who were ceremonially sworn in by Mayor Avery Cornett.
Officer Chris Parks is already a certified police office and began his patrol duties immediately.
Officer Nathan Sherwood came to the MPD after a career with the Virginia Department of Corrections. He is expected to attend the Southwest Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy later this month.
