On November 18, Chesterfield County officials, public safety officers, community members, and relatives of Deputy Archer T. Belcher gathered at Deep Creek Middle School to honor the fallen deputy by renaming a road in his memory. The event took place at 17151 Westerleigh Parkway.
Deputy Archer T. Belcher was a farmer supporting a family of twelve who also served as a part-time sheriff’s deputy in early 20th-century Chesterfield. Sheriff Karl Leonard reflected on the era: “It was a much simpler time,” he said. “Just over 21,000 people lived in Chesterfield.” Leonard added, “I’m certain that when Belcher woke up that morning, he believed it was anything but a much simpler time.”
On January 22, 1912, while supervising inmates repairing Hickory Road near his farm, Belcher was attacked and fatally wounded by two prisoners. He died from his injuries after nearly four weeks in Petersburg Hospital at age 47. His death marked him as the first documented Chesterfield sheriff’s deputy killed in the line of duty.
Five years later, tragedy struck again when Belcher’s wife died during an attack on their neighbor’s house. Their ten children were then separated and raised by relatives across the county.
Michaele Shriver, Belcher’s great-granddaughter, recalled learning about her ancestor’s service: “When I was contacted several years ago regarding Archer Belcher, I was unaware of his connection with the Sheriff’s Office,” she said. “We learned that each family knew bits and pieces.”
Belcher’s name was added to the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington D.C. in May 2007 and later inscribed on the Sheriff’s Office Memorial at Chesterfield’s historic courthouse.
In recognition of his sacrifice, “Academic Way” leading to Deep Creek Middle School has been renamed “Archer Belcher Way.” Supervisor Kevin Carroll (Matoaca District) stated: “We’re putting it in a location where we’re teaching our children. As all people come to this school to learn, they’ll have the opportunity to perhaps say, ‘I wonder who that person was.’”
The new sign was unveiled by Joyce Skelton—Belcher’s only surviving granddaughter—alongside other family members and local leaders.
Sheriff Leonard emphasized the importance of remembrance: “We do it on behalf of his descendants as our way to forever etch the name of Archer T. Belcher onto our county’s history.”
County Administrator Dr. Joe Casey added: “The line-of-duty death is a sacred process for Chesterfield,” and addressed the family directly: “Know that we are mourning.” He concluded: “On behalf of Chesterfield County, thank you to the family. He will never be forgotten.”
The road renaming serves as an enduring tribute to Deputy Belcher’s courage and legacy within Chesterfield County.
