Vinton Town Council recognizes Det. Cpl. Justin Baker

By Debbie Adams

Detective Cpl. Justin Baker of the Vinton Police Dept. has spent the past nine weeks in
Richmond completing the rigorous curriculum to graduate from the Virginia Dept. of Forensic
Science Academy. He was a member of the 114th session of the Academy, graduating on March
28.

In presenting Baker a Certificate of Commendation, Vinton Police Chief Fabricio Drumond
noted that “completing this prestigious program is a significant achievement and reflects your
dedication, discipline, and commitment to advancing your skills in the Forensic Science and
Criminal Investigation field. The knowledge and expertise you have gained will not only
enhance your ability to serve with distinction but will also contribute meaningfully to the safety
and well-being of our community.

“The vigorous in-house nine-week academic program provides advanced instruction by qualified
forensic experts to teach and measure students in photography, crime scene investigation, arson
evidence, toxicology, forensic biology, latent print evidence, trace evidence, tool marks, firearms
evidence and bullet trajectory, crime scene sketching, evidence law, drug recognition, impression
evidence, and criminal investigative analysis.

“Through this detailed instruction, Det. Cpl. Baker has become familiar with both the capabilities
and limitations of modern forensic laboratories in examining a broad spectrum of materials that
can be collected as evidence in criminal cases as a measure of success. He was evaluated on
classroom performance, written exams, application of recovery techniques, and homework
assignments.

“Your hard work and perseverance have not gone unnoticed, and this milestone marks an
important step forward in your professional journey. We are confident that you will continue to
exemplify the highest standards of law enforcement and bring honor to your department.”

Drumond told Mayor Brad Grose, Vice Mayor Laurie Mullins, and council members Keith Liles,
Sabrina McCarty, and Mike Stovall that “the academy is very selective” and “not for everyone.”
He also introduced two other members of the Vinton Police Dept. who have completed the
Forensic Science program – Officer Jacob Miller and Det. Sgt. Todd Bailey. In fact, Councilman
Stovall is also a graduate of the Forensic Science program in his time with the Vinton Police
Dept.

Baker thanked the community and town officials and staff for supporting him and for allowing
him the opportunity to attend the nine-week course. He plans to share the knowledge he has
gained with his depsrtment.

Baker is not the only one who survived an intense nine weeks. His wife Mandie is the full-time
Executive Assistant to the Chief of Police and the mother of two young children.

Drumond recognized Mandie Baker with a Certificate of Appreciation, saying, “There are
moments in life that reveal the true depth of a person’s character – when the demands are great,
the days are long, and the balance between personal and professional life feels quite difficult to
maintain; and yet in those very moments, certain individuals rise. You are one of them.
“You’ve shown what it means to lead with love, to push through undoubted fatigue with
determination, and to support others without ever asking for recognition in return. Women who
nurture and lead with a tremendous heart are the quiet forces that keep the world turning.

“You are the heart of your family and a cornerstone of our team. We are truly honored to work
alongside you.”

Det. Cpl. Baker thanked God for giving him “an awesome wife.”

Council and Town Manager Pete Peters next recognized Administrative Manager/Town Clerk
Antonia Arias-Magallon who is leaving her Town of Vinton position to work with the Virginia
Breast Cancer Foundation.

Peters presented her with a photograph of the town clock engraved with the words, “Although
your time at the Town of Vinton has ended, the impact you have made here is timeless.”

Council issued two proclamations declaring April 24 as Arbor Day in the Town of Vinton, to be
celebrated at the Vinton Library at 11 a.m. Assistant Planning and Zoning Director Nathan McClung said that Vinton has been designated as a Tree City USA for the past 23 years. Staff
has secured Virginia Dept. of Forestry funding each year to plant trees on public properties.
Trees will be planted this year on town-owned property along Glade Road across from the Glade
Creek Greenway.

Council also proclaimed the week of April 13-19 as “National Public Safety Telecommunicators
Week,” recognizing the communications officers of the Roanoke County Emergency
Communications Center who serve the Town of Vinton and Roanoke County.

Council adopted a resolution approving the 2025-2026 operating budget for the Roanoke Valley
Regional Cable Television Committee in the amount of $627,365 after a presentation by Scott Ramsburg, Director of RVTV. The Town of Vinton’s part of the budget is $25,973 for the
upcoming year, based on the U.S. Census population of 8,043, and a percentage of 4.14% of the
three governing bodies participating (Vinton, Roanoke County, and Roanoke City). This
represents a minimal increase of 1.17% over last year.

Ramsburg listed some of the productions RVTV has completed for the Town of Vinton recently:
drone work by request, a preview of the Gauntlet, the Vinton History Museum fundraiser, the
State of the Town livestream, Arbor Day, business ribbon cuttings and highlights, the Pink
Warrior walk, the Four on the 4th Race, Downtown Trick or Treat, the Field of Honor, the
Christmas Parade, the Santa Crawl, Winter Warrior, St. Patty’s Day Block Party, planting of the
pinwheel garden, and features on road reclamation, new crosswalks, and the Cundiff expansion.
A police recruiting PSA is coming soon.

Council also adopted a resolution approving the operating budget of the Roanoke Valley
Resource Authority of $19,116,734. The RVRA also includes the cities of Roanoke and Salem,
and Roanoke County who share costs.