THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, April 26, 1995 TAG: 9504250125
SECTION: ISLE OF WIGHT CITIZEN PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close Up
SOURCE: Jody R. Snider
LENGTH: Medium: 62 lines
For many clerks working the late shift in convenience stores, Sheriff's Deputy Joey Willard is the man of the hour - man of the wee hours, that is.
Willard patrols the midnight shift and is constantly stopping to check on clerks who work through the night at local stores.
``Most of the clerks know me well because they have a lot of gas drive-offs, and I get called on that,'' he says.
Also, Willard has been in law enforcement since his high school days.
``One day, while I was working as a dispatcher at the Smithfield Police Department, the police chief came in and said, `Come with me.'
``The next thing I knew I was being sworn in as a police officer. And that's how I started my career.''
Although Willard has worked in law enforcement for 16 years, he's worked at the Isle of Wight County Sheriff's Department only nine.
And when he's not protecting, he's driving a truck - hauling logs to Suffolk, Wakefield and the surrounding areas.
Name: Joseph M. Willard
What brought you to Isle of Wight? My family
Hometown: Richmond
Birthdate: Sept. 24, 1957
Occupation: Sheriff's deputy and truck driver
Marital status: Married
Children: David, 10, and Joshua, 7
Favorite movies: Old classics
Favorite magazine: Field and Stream
A book you wish everyone would read, and why? The Bible, so people will see how good things could be if they just lived by it.
Favorite night out on the town: Friday night with my family at Ryan's
Favorite bar or restaurant: Captain George's
Favorite food and drink: Tea and lobster
Few people know . . . that I like to cook.
What's the best thing about yourself? I stay out of other people's business, and I'm a good friend.
Worst habit: Saying, ``I heard that.''
First thing in the morning: Drink a diet Coke and spend a few minutes with the family before going to work.
Pets: A dog, a cat and a bird
Hobbies: Fishing and yard work
Ideal vacation: A week fishing with my family, and no phones
Pet peeve: Being late for appointments
First job: Newspaper carrier
Worst job: Never had one.
Of what achievements are you most proud? My two boys
What would you like as your epitaph? ``It's finally over.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MICHAEL KESTNER
Joey Willard
KEYWORDS: PROFILE BIOGRAPHY by CNB