Endorsed by Community Leaders and Respected Law Enforcement Organizations
Rob is honored to have received many endorsements from so many different leaders, colleagues and law enforcement organizations
Honesty
Integrity
Professionalism
Proven Leadership
Endorsements
Rob is humbled by this support and is dedicated to serving our county with honesty, integrity, professionalism and proven leadership.
"Congratulations! The West Virginia Sheriffs' Association PAC voted unanimously to endorse Rob Blair for the position of Sheriff of Berkeley County, WV."
"The West Virginia Deputy Sheriffs’ Association has awarded their endorsement to Rob Blair, after interviewing all candidates in the 2024 election cycle who are running for Sheriff of Berkeley County. Rob is honored to have received the endorsement of this important organization."
"During my 35 years involved in law-enforcement, first as a county prosecuting attorney and then as federal criminal prosecutor, I had the pleasure and honor to work with thousands of local, state, and federal law enforcement officers, troopers, and agents. For a criminal prosecutor, the qualities which are most valued in the investigators with whom you work are honesty and integrity, for without these virtues, the entire criminal legal system fails.
I had the distinct privilege of knowing and working with Rob Blair for over 20 of those years, both when he was a uniformed State Trooper and during his time with the Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force. He proved to be a skilled investigator and a very capable administrator who exhibited the highest level of leadership competence.
Rob always impressed me and others with his forthrightness, dedication to the truth, and his respect for the rule of law. He continually demonstrated that both his clear moral compass and his ethical perspective were very much an innate part of who he is. "
"I respect and admire Rob's decision to seek the position of Berkeley County Sheriff. As is well known, Rob completed a distinguished and honorable career with the West Virginia State Police. Rob then began post-retirement employment with the WV Insurance Commission as an investigator, where he was also recognized as successful. Life was good for Rob, and I personally understood no reason for him to seek such a demanding and challenging position.
In WV, and due to also being a WVSP retiree myself (largely in Berkeley Co.), I know the Sheriff's position, especially in a large and growing community such as Berkeley County, to be one of the most difficult/demanding positions you can commit to. Rob explained, he has been extremely blessed in his personal and professional life, and he felt a responsibility to now step forward, at a time when there is such a lack of trust in government leadership.
Knowing Rob for such a long time, I absolutely believe this to be true. Rob is a law enforcement professional, who knows and practices by the rules/laws, he has always maintained a practice of "if it's good for us, it's good for us, and if it's bad for us, it's bad for us", he will not avoid hard decisions or hide problems. Rob is honest and fact-driven, and considers the entirety of matters.
In a recent conversation with Rob, he was very passionate and complimentary of the skill and talent of the current Deputy staff (both law enforcement and tax) since being appointed Sheriff. Rob Blair will do well, and Berkeley County proud as Sheriff."
"I am writing this correspondence to give my full support for Rob Blair as Sheriff of Berkeley County, a person that I have known personally and professionally for the past 30 years. I first met Rob while working for the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department during the early 1990’s. Rob was a young trooper working in both Berkeley and Jefferson Counties as well as the Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force. During our law enforcement careers our paths crossed many times either responding to calls for service, during criminal investigations, or multi-agency large scale operations or events. Over the next several years I continued to notice how Rob Blair stood out amongst the others as he ascended through the ranks to become Captain and Troop Commander stationed at the Jefferson County State Police Detachment.
Rob Blair has earned and gained the respect of his fellow law enforcement colleagues, leading by example. He has proven himself as a dedicated professional with many valuable attributes and leadership abilities. His experience, professionalism, and work ethic, set the example for others. Most importantly, Rob Blair is a person of strong faith, a dedicated family man whose character, integrity, and moral values are above reproach.
I was delighted when I heard that Rob Blair was willing and stepped forward to serve the citizens of Berkeley County by filling the vacated unexpired term of Sheriff of Berkeley County through 2024. I was confident that he would be the candidate selected by the Berkeley County Counsel. I know Rob Blair is honored and humbled by the faith and trust placed in him. He will not disappoint you or the citizens of Berkeley County. He is an honorable person, one that has been tried and tested throughout his distinguished law enforcement career. A leader in which we can all be proud of as "our Sheriff" of Berkeley County.
In closing as a resident of Berkeley County, the second largest populated county in West Virginia, we will need strong leadership for the challenge that growth and population brings, therefore I urge you to give favorable consideration to vote for Rob as Sheriff of Berkeley County."
"I am honored and privileged to write this personal reference for Rob Blair for any position he seeks in law enforcement. I have known and worked with Rob since he came to the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia some 30 plus years go.
We have worked together in various capacities over the years as patrol officers, investigators, supervisors and now as Sheriffs in adjoining counties of Berkeley and Morgan. Rob is the consummate professional and has excelled in every task he has been given. He achieved the ranks of sergeant, lieutenant, and Captain where he served as the Commander of Troop 2 serving the 7 counties of the eastern panhandle. He retired honorably from this position and immediately took a position as a special agent with the Insurance Commission for West Virginia.
Rob was sought out to be Sheriff of Berkeley County after a very contentious year for the department resulting in the investigation and resignation of the previous Sheriff. Rob was appointed to fill the term and now is a candidate to continue in that position. Being a retired Captain of the Berkeley County Sheriff's Department I continue to be very concerned about the department, and its people. I felt incredibly concerned for what the employees were going through during 2023. I was happy to see a man of Rob's caliber and high integrity be appointed to restore the department and its reputation. I still feel very much a part of that department. Several of the officers I had the privilege to work with are still members there. I was grateful to see the integrity and morale of the department rise back to a level unseen in several years. They are one of the best departments in the State of West Virginia and largely due to the efforts of Rob Blair and his senior staff.
I also know Rob's personal side. He has a very loving and devoted family with several successful children and now grandchildren. His wife, Mary Beth, I have known since she was a teen. I served with her father, William N. "Shug" Kisner for eight years when he was Berkeley County Sheriff. Rob is a Christian and very devout in his faith. This is another testament as to the character of Rob Blair. Rob also comes from a law enforcement family as his father also was a retired Captain with the West Virginia State Police serving diligently for many years.
I can think of no one better to lead the Berkeley County Sheriff's Department than Rob Blair."
"I am proud to endorse Rob Blair for Sheriff of Berkeley County, West Virginia. I have known Rob for 36 years and he is without question one of the finest men I have ever known. Rob and I went through the State Police Academy together, enlisting in December 1988. Throughout our careers we worked together and I served as his Executive Officer when he was the Trooper Commander in Charlestown Headquarters.
Rob is an excellent supervisor, administrator and possess excellent people skills. Rob has an extensive knowledge of police procedure, criminal investigation as well as undercover police work. Rob has a great deal of experience in the State Court system as well as the Federal Court system.
Outside of Rob's extensive knowledge as a police officer he is without question one of the most honest, hard working and dedicated men I have ever known. Rob is very family oriented and of deep religious conviction.
The people of Berkeley County are blessed to have a candidate like Rob who is willing to step forward and take the Berkeley County Sheriff's Department into the future."
"I would like to take a few minutes of your time to tell you why I have the honor of endorsing Rob Blair for sheriff of Berkeley County.
I met Rob more than 34 years ago when I became a West Virginia State Trooper. I was assigned to a very unfamiliar part of West Virginia and he immediately made me feel welcomed. He became one of my Field Training Officers and showed his sincere and legitimate interest, respect and dedication to serve the citizens of WV. I saw him mentoring other young troopers and officers from local agencies as if we were a family. After 34 years in Law Enforcement (23 with West Virginia State Police and 11 with the Brevard County Sheriff's Office in Florida) I can say that I owe my success and achievements in great part to Rob Blair.
Rob was not just introduced into Law Enforcement by accident, he was born to a Law Enforcement family and this way of life is in his blood. Serving his community is all he wanted to do and his dedication, integrity and legitimate desire to serve his community, has increased with the years.
There is no doubt that he will make sure that the people of Berkeley County receive the best service and protection at the same time that he will build a better department.
Vote for Rob Blair and receive the service and protection that you deserve."
"I have known Rob Blair since 1990 when I graduated from the West Virginia State Police Academy and was assigned to the Charles Town Detachment where Rob had been stationed ahead of me after his graduation from the Academy in 1989. Even as a younger trooper, Rob quickly showed his leadership qualities by mentoring myself and the other three newly assigned Troopers to the Detachment. I realized Rob was an extremely intelligent person who performed police work with kindness and compassion and was a person of high ethical and moral standards.
Rob's leadership qualities were recognized by the Department as he was selected multiple times throughout his career to supervisory roles, most notably his position as the Commander of the Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crimes Taskforce and the Troop 2 Commander, where he was in charge of the 7 most eastern counties, including Berkeley County.
I continued to work with Rob until I was eventually reassigned to a Detachment outside the Eastern Panhandle, but we remained friends over the years and our paths continued to cross professionally as we both advanced through the ranks within the West Virginia State Police.
Rob is very family oriented. He and his wife Mary Beth raised their family in Berkeley County and have strong ties to their community. Rob is a man of faith and is very active in his church community.
I endorse Rob Blair for Sheriff of Berkeley County. The residents of the county are blessed to have Rob Blair as their current Sheriff and to have the opportunity to select him to be their Sheriff for a full term."
"We live in a dangerous world. We need leaders who are courageous and possess the wisdom to navigate through the chaos. Rob Blair is one such leader. He is the consummate professional, with the right mix of progressive ideals and proactive solutions Berkeley County needs.
Having served for over 30 years in various capacities within the law enforcement arena, I trust Sheriff Rob Blair. He and his family are servant leaders, with strong roots in our community. He has earned my vote, and I hope you will place your confidence in him as well on November 5th."
"I am writing to wholeheartedly endorse Sheriff Rob Blair for the position of Sheriff of Berkeley County, West Virginia.
I have had the pleasure of knowing Sheriff Blair for over 35 years. I can confidently attest to his exceptional character, outstanding leadership skills, and unwavering commitment to serve, the citizens of Berkeley County and those that he comes in contact with.
As the Sheriff in an adjoining county and in a different state, Sheriff Blair and I speak weekly about incidents that have occurred in Berkeley County and also in Frederick County.
I have witnessed firsthand Sheriff Blair's dedication to ensuring public safety. His extensive experience in areas of law-enforcement, has equipped him with the expertise needed to effectively lead the Berkeley County Sheriff's Department.
I have personally seen and been present for the exceptional qualities of this Sheriff. They include strong leadership and management skills, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, unwavering integrity, and ethical standards, proven problem-solving and crisis management abilities, and a deep understanding of community needs and concerns.
Sheriff Blair is community oriented, collaborates with local agencies and has proven himself with innovative crime prevention strategies.
Vote Rob Blair, Sheriff of Berkeley County, West Virginia on November 5."
"I have known Rob Blair for thirty-five years and we served together in the West Virginia State Police. Rob has always been the consummate professional and was extremely conscientious in the performance of his duties.
His career in public service has consistently been motivated by a desire to make a positive difference in society and directly impact the lives of individuals. His work ethic and dedication were evident throughout his career and are a testament to who he is as an individual. Rob is a man of integrity, and his character is above reproach.
His passion for doing the best job that he can possibly do, and his concern for his community, are two attributes that have been indisputable throughout his career.
Rob Blair will continue to serve the citizens with the same level of commitment, excellence and honesty that have characterized his life and law enforcement career and I wholeheartedly endorse him for Sheriff of Berkeley County."
"One of the first individuals I met after being assigned to Martinsburg out of the West Virginia State Police Academy in 1993 was Rob Blair. Rob has been a mentor, role model and friend since then. I have observed Rob become a husband, father and supervisor. Rob has excelled in all those positions.
I was assigned to the Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Task Force from 1997 to 2017. Rob was Task Force Coordinator during a portion of that time. His leadership and experience led to multiple successful prosecutions. He led the Task Force in a professional manner.
The Berkeley County Sheriff's Office has excellent men and women. Rob will provide the leadership to guide them in protecting the citizens of Berkeley County."
“For the past 50 years, I’ve been employed in the criminal justice system, as a Police Officer and Criminal Fraud Investigator. I’ve been honored to work with many Officers, Investigators, Prosecutors, and the Public. During the last 35 years of my career, I’ve had the pleasure of working with Rob Blair in various capacities. I first met and worked with Rob Blair in 1989 when he was stationed in the Eastern Panhandle as a young West Virginia State Trooper. Thereafter, Rob ascended in the law enforcement ranks through promotions and assignments. During Rob’s career, he worked as a uniformed Trooper and as an Undercover Investigator and Commander for the Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force. After promotions and appointments, Rob rose to the rank of Captain in the West Virginia State Police (WVSP) and was the uniformed Commander of 7 Eastern Panhandle counties, leading and managing over 100 Troopers and Civilian Personnel. Upon retirement after 25 years of service with the WVSP, Rob continued his criminal justice career as a Fraud Investigator.
During his career, Rob has committed his life to protecting and serving the citizens of our county and region. Rob has a proven track record of leadership, professionalism, and honesty. Rob exemplifies ethical character traits and exercises empathy in his dealings with all.
Aside from his professional career, Rob is a conscientious caregiver and provides for his family and friends. Rob values and loves his associations. He has always been community oriented and continues to assist with matters pertaining to his church and various community organizations.
Without doubt and with great enthusiasm, I can express my wholehearted support for Rob Blair as Berkeley County Sheriff!”
“In 2021, I had the pleasure of meeting Rob Blair when I came to the Eastern Panhandle as the Sports Celebrity/Grand Marshall of the Mountain State Apple Harvest Festival. Rob served as my security and host for the weekend. I travel all over the country speaking, making appearances and meeting people. I knew immediately Rob was a man of character - he lives it out. And over the course of the last 3 years, our relationship has gone from professional to family. We love Rob and Mary Beth - they are family to us. Rob and I share a common goal of helping others and making a difference in peoples' lives.
I would encourage Rob to stay focused on the calling and purpose on his life because that’s really what it’s all about. I look forward to seeing Rob and Mary Beth whenever we are in the area - their support and friendship means the world to us. When Rob called to tell me about running for office, we prayed about his future, and I know he has the experience, the heart and the integrity to serve the citizens of Berkeley County with Godly leadership that his community and our country so desperately need."
“As a retired Naval Officer, I surround myself with people who are honorable, courageous and committed to the greatest country in the world. Sheriff Blair embodies these traits at home, at work, in church, in the community and across the great state of West Virginia. There is only one person in Berkeley County who every citizen can trust to lead the all important Sheriff’s Department. My wife and I consider Rob a close family friend and I am honored to give him my strongest possible endorsement."
“My name is Scott Dillon, and I had the distinct honor of serving with Rob Blair in the West Virginia State Police for more than twenty-two years. Upon graduating from the West Virginia State Police Academy, I was assigned to the Martinsburg Detachment and met Rob on my first day in Martinsburg. Rob and I immediately developed a friendship and bond that has grown throughout the years. During our careers in the State Police, Rob was my immediate supervisor for seven years while we were both assigned to the Bureau of Criminal Investigations. Rob is a consummate professional who possesses strong leadership skills. Rob’s character is beyond reproach, and he always holds himself to a higher standard. Rob’s leadership style empowers everyone around him to perform at their very best each day. Rob is a family man who together with his wife Mary Beth, have lived and raised their three beautiful children in Berkeley County for more than thirty years. Rob truly cares about the community in which he serves and wants to make Berkeley County a safer community where family’s can live and raise their children. I am proud to call Rob a friend and believe that Rob is hands down the best candidate for Sheriff of Berkeley County. Please join me in casting your vote on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, to elect Rob Blair as Sheriff of Berkeley County."
"Moral authority comes from following universal and timeless principles like honesty, integrity, and treating people with respect.” - Stephen Covey.
"To us, Rob Blair exemplifies these characteristics! Rob is a man of God and sets a great example to all he comes into contact with. He’s kind, caring and generous with his time for his family, friends and our community. Rob is open and honest in his conversations and shares how much he looks forward to unity and positive growth in our community. His words are followed by action, as Rob leads his family with volunteering in many different organizations. Always doing what’s right for the betterment of others. It’s our honor and privilege to know Rob and come alongside him, supporting his Campaign for Sheriff of Berkeley County."
"We have known Rob and Mary Beth Blair for over 15 years. From day one, they showed our family so much love. It was very hard having your son going to a predominately Caucasian school. How do you trust someone with the most precious thing in your life; your son? But the support we developed in the Hedgesville community helped us tear down the stereotype of racial barrier walls. Rob and his family became our family. We shared good times and bad times together, but mostly we knew how to love each other. Rob is a man, that we know to be a true, faithful man, who stands up for what is right for his actions and equality for all men and women. Rob chooses to be faithful consistently to his wife and to God– this is one of his best characters that we love about him.
Another characteristic that Rob has is integrity, which in the Bible is defined as doing what is right, even when it is difficult or unpopular. It is about being truthful, reliable, and consistent in one’s words and actions and, from our experience, Rob’s actions are always aligned with God's truth and righteousness. Integrity is one of the most valuable and respected qualities of leadership and that is what we see when we look at Rob Blair."
"For more than 30 years, Rob Blair has been dedicated to serving the athletes of the Eastern Panhandle Special Olympics. Each year, Rob gathers up local officers to run in the only torch run for Special Olympics. As the athletes arrive for the competition you can hear the buzz about the officers arriving as they turn the corner with the torch lit to make the first lap of the track to start the annual event. Rob's leadership and involvement is amazing and meaningful. It is the highlight of the day to get a picture of this group with our athletes!
We are grateful for Rob's devotion to Special Olympics and his leadership in keeping our torch run going for decades. Rob will serve the citizens of Berkeley County with the same commitment and determination"
"Rob has been a family friend since the 1980’s. Growing up in Huntington, WV alongside Rob, his parents. sister and brother, my family and his established a relationship that we couldn’t have imagined would develop into an unbreakable bond, when we each settled in Martinsburg with families of our own.
Within weeks of our young family moving to Martinsburg, Rob and Mary Beth opened their hearts and home to us. From that moment, the entire Blair / Kisner and Gates / Piepenbrink clans are truly extended families.
Rob’s integrity is unmatched. He holds high standards yet makes all feel welcomed and appreciated. He loves truth and justice and considers each person’s uniqueness as gifts from God. He is humble, honest, and honorable.
When he decided to serve the people of Martinsburg, we were so excited for what we know he will accomplish and the integrity he will bring to his new position.
As we watch the news covering the events occurring in our country, I feel that local elections have never been more important. It really does matter who we elect locally. What happens in an election hundreds of miles away, can affect us right here in Berkeley County. Integrity should be essential when we consider candidates. The upcoming election is one where we can know who we are voting for and what this candidate stands for to keep our community safe."
"Rob Blair has had a direct impact on my life since a young age. As my coach for multiple sports, Rob taught me the principles of Respect, Honesty, and Hard Work. In the process of coaching and leading young men he was a great example of each of the same qualities he asked of us, both on and off the field/court. His unwavering commitment to excellence and fairness sets a shining example for all those around him.
A vote for Rob Blair is a vote for honesty, respect, commitment, and proven leadership."
