City of Buckhannon Recognizes Former FBI Special Agent, U.S. Marshal & Buckhannon Police Chief J.C. Raffety during the 9th annual Webb Grubb Police Officer Recognition Day.

BUCKHANNON, WV — May 13, 2026: The City of Buckhannon gathered today at the Buckhannon Public Safety Complex and the “Blue Wall” to honor the legacy of Police Officer Wilbert H. “Webb” Grubb, former Police Chief Chesley Mearns, and to recognize the distinguished service of former FBI Special Agent, U.S. Marshal, Upshur County Commissioner, and Buckhannon Police Chief J.C. Raffety during the 9th annual Webb Grubb Police Officer Recognition Day.

Mayor Robbie Skinner presented an official proclamation before a crowd of law enforcement officers, family members, community leaders, and festival visitors attending the West Virginia Strawberry Festival’s Wednesday observances.

Honoring a Lifetime of Service: Chief J.C. Raffety – Chief Raffety’s career in public safety and federal service spans more than five decades:

1970–2000: Special Agent / Supervisory Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation
2000–2001: Chief of Police, Buckhannon Police Department
2002–2010: U.S. Marshal, Northern District of West Virginia
2011–2016: Upshur County Commissioner
2017: Interim Police Chief, Elkins Police Department
2018–2021: U.S. Marshal, Northern District of West Virginia

Mayor Skinner praised Chief Raffety’s “steadfast commitment to justice, integrity, and the safety of the people of Buckhannon and the State of West Virginia,” noting that his leadership has shaped generations of law enforcement professionals.

A Tradition Rooted in Gratitude – The City established Webb Grubb Police Officer Recognition Day in 2017 to honor the memory of Officer Wilbert H. “Webb” Grubb and to recognize one exemplary officer or public safety leader each year during the Strawberry Festival.

Past honorees include:

2017 — Officer Wilbert H. “Webb” Grubb
2018 — Lieutenant Keith Rowan
2019 — Chief Fred Gaudet
2021 — Lieutenant Darrell Bennett
2022 — Sheriff David Coffman
2023 — Buddy Ray Zickefoose
2024 — Chief Chesley Mearns
2025 — Chief Virgil Miller

Chief Raffety now joins this distinguished group.

Mayor’s Proclamation Highlights – Mayor Skinner’s proclamation reaffirmed the City’s commitment to honoring those who protect and serve:

Recognizing the bravery and sacrifice of police officers who place their lives on the line each day
Celebrating the 9th annual Webb Grubb Police Officer Recognition Day
Adding Chief Raffety’s placard to the City’s Wall of Blue
Encouraging residents and festival visitors to join in honoring Chief Raffety, Officer Grubb, and all past and future honorees

The proclamation concludes with the Mayor’s directive to install Chief Raffety’s placard along Webb Grubb Lane at the Public Safety Complex, ensuring his legacy is permanently enshrined among Buckhannon’s most honored public servants.

A Community United in Appreciation – Today’s ceremony brought together the families of Officer Grubb and Chief Raffety, members of the Buckhannon Police Department, Chief Matt Gregory, City Council, and the broader community. The event served as a reminder of the deep respect Buckhannon holds for those who dedicate their lives to public safety.

Photos from the City of Buckhannon

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