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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Billy Grimsley succumbed to injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident on December 7th, 2012, after representing the Portsmouth Sheriff's Office in the Poquoson Christmas Parade.
He was returning to Portsmouth when he struck a defect in the road at the intersection of Semple Farm Road and Magruder Boulevard in Hampton. He was thrown from the motorcycle and suffered several injuries, including a broken ankle.
He underwent surgery for the broken ankle and was on medical leave when he suddenly fell ill. He was transported to a local hospital, where he passed away a short time later. It was determined that he had suffered a fatal pulmonary embolism as a result of the ankle injury.
Deputy Grimsley had served with the Portsmouth Sheriff's Office as a full-time deputy for four years. He had previously served as an auxiliary deputy for eight years and as an auxiliary officer with the Portsmouth Police Department for two years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, daughter, son, sister, and three brothers.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Grimsley gave the Portsmouth Sheriff's Office 14 years.
Thank you for your service to the Portsmouth community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Grimsley.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Portsmouth Sheriff's Office has lost 3 officers; 2 of them lost to accidents.
Billy is one of 203 officers lost to accidents in VA, 31.1% of the 653 remembered there.
Billy is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Billy is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2013, 1 officer in VA was lost to accidents, the 55th heaviest of 99 years on record. The heaviest was 1870, with 10.
In 2013, 56 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 83rd heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 2013, 64 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 85th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Billy was 59. Of the 192 lost to accidents in VA whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 45; the middle age was 36. Billy had served 14 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Billy was 59. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. Billy had served 14 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Billy was 59. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Billy had served 14 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 6.4% of these deaths in VA; December holds the most, 12.8%. Sundays: 12.3%.
February holds 7.2% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Sundays: 14%.
February holds 7.2% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Sundays: 14%.
How
Accident deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at Portsmouth Sheriff's Office, the most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 31.1% of all 653 deaths in VA, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Portsmouth Sheriff's Office has 3 officers remembered here, Billy among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 21-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Portsmouth Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
