August 1, 2022
Fairfax County Sheriff Stacey Kincaid is pleased to announce that she presented the agency’s highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award, to Captain Steve Elbert, a 30-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office.
Over his career, Elbert served in every division of the agency and wore several hats. Regardless of the assignment, he was proactive in creating innovative programs, and his impact on the agency and community was always substantial. One such initiative occurred when he realized there was an excess of property being left behind by inmates at their release from the Adult Detention Center. In response, he located and reached out to the former inmates and their families to return their property.
In 2011, Elbert developed a program in partnership with the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court to provide an alternative for at-risk teens from activities that could lead to criminal justice involvement. He also spearheaded the revitalization of the volunteer Reserve Deputy Sheriff program.
Perhaps most notable were Elbert’s efforts to help guide the creation of the Veteran’s Treatment Docket. As a veteran of the Marine Corp, he delivered a moving speech at a recent Veteran’s Treatment Docket Graduation. Chief Judge Penny Azcarate recognized his devotion to the program when she noted, “He went the extra mile and became an unofficial peer and mentor to many of the participants… If a member had to complete a jail sanction, Captain Elbert would always check on them, and I know that meant a great deal to the veterans… I am honored to have worked with him…”
In 2016, Elbert was promoted to his current rank of captain. He continues his mentoring role by assisting his lieutenants with professional development and pushing them to be innovators, which has been especially appreciated during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to his contributions to the agency and the community while at work, Elbert is a service leader in the community-at-large and focuses on providing services to youth, people with special needs, law enforcement and veterans.
Captain Steve Elbert’s decades of selfless service exemplifies the merits of the Distinguished Service Award and the Sheriff’s Office core values of honor, courage and service.