CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – The Nelson County Sheriff’s Office is developing quite the online following thanks to the infusion of humor into their social media posts.
Last week, one meme it posted included Willie Nelson’s “On the Road Again” as background music and read, “The red light in Lovingston remains undefeated. Sincerely… everyone you flew by on Route 29 now sitting beside you anyway.”
In the comment section, the post continued, “In all seriousness, July is Speed Awareness Month. A few seconds simply aren’t worth risking a crash, an injury, or a life. Leave a little earlier, be patient, and remember—we’re all headed to the same destination. Let’s make sure we all get there safely.”
Sheriff Mark Embrey told Cville Right Now one of the main objectives he’s wanted to accomplish since being elected in 2024 is increased community engagement, and Facebook is one of those tools.
“I think our page is going well,” said Embrey. “We like to share with our community what’s going on from a public safety perspective, but we also want to show we can be informative with things when it comes to the weather and just try to create some humor and have the community follow us and engage with us.”
Embrey said the department has added about 6,000 followers since it infused humor into its social media posts.
Embrey said he and one other person in the department handle most of the social media posts.
“I won’t reveal my source, but it’s an employee within our agency that does this and has a very good practical sense of humor,” Embrey said.
Last week, there were some cooler mornings and last Friday, the post was, “We’re aware it was 60-degrees this morning… we have also received concerning reports of pumpkin spice being brewed. Please stand down. It’s only July.”
In the comments, the post continued, “No, sadly this is not a crime. What WOULD be criminal is missing Nelson Night Out tomorrow!”
This, indeed, touched off more than a thousand likes and engagements, including someone begging to differ: “I believe pumpkin and pumpkin spice are guaranteed the right to be enjoyed 365 days a year. Seasonal restrictions are unconstitutional. I stand with pumpkin.”
Some concurred, “Yes, please! I’m not done with my margarita yet.”
Another day last week, “Forecast for today: 100% chance we all have absolutely no idea where you’re going if you don’t use your turn signal. Signal first, turn second, friends.”
“I had one couple here just this past weekend at one of our events say ‘We can’t wait. We look at your page every day because we follow you. We can’t wait to see what the next blab is going to be,'” said Embrey.
The approach has drawn attention beyond the county.
“I get compliments from other sheriffs across the state all the time about how are you guys doing this,” Embrey said. “Obviously, our page has grown exponentially over the course of the last couple of years.”
