DARE to make a difference

Edward Tuffy

Elizabeth Kamps
Deputy First Class, Loudoun County (VA) Sheriff’s Office


Cops and Kids Event – December 2017

I began my career at age 34 and have spent the last 12 years of my life as a Deputy Sheriff for the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia. I have been very fortunate to have met some of the best men and women in law enforcement while performing my duties as a patrol officer, a field training officer, and as a DARE officer. I have been involved with our Search and Rescue Team, Civil Disturbance Unit and Honor Guard Team. It is no easy task to be a female in a male dominated profession. We have to prove that we can hold our own, but when you become part of that special family, there is no other bond that is stronger.

This career has challenged me and pushed me to limits that I never could have imagined. And as hard as it is some days, there is no other more satisfying career I could ever imagine. I have always enjoyed the challenge of dealing with people in crisis so that I might help them be in a better place than when they first dialed 911. A couple of years ago I shifted my focus from patrol to becoming a DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) officer so that I would be able to reach out to our youth (5th graders) and influence them in a way that will help them make better decisions for a happy and healthier future! After all of my other experiences in life, I truly believe this is exactly where I am meant to be! I am proud to serve and am thankful for this National Law Enforcement Museum to help preserve the honor of all those who have entered into this profession with courage to face the dangers that are needed to help those in crisis.

Search Stories by Last Name, Story Title, Keyword