Johnny Gandy

Chief Johnny Gandy joined the City of Madison Police Department in 2021, bringing with him more than three decades of distinguished service in law enforcement and public safety leadership. His career began after serving in the United States Air Force at the age of seventeen, where he developed the discipline and commitment that would define his life of service.

Following his military service, Chief Gandy began his law enforcement career in Virginia, first with the City of Chesapeake and later with the Virginia Beach Police Department. Over the next several decades, he advanced through the ranks, serving as detective, sergeant, lieutenant, and captain, holding leadership roles in patrol operations, investigations, internal affairs, and command supervision. His experience also includes managing accreditation processes, field training, and specialized units focused on robbery, auto theft, and crisis intervention.

Chief Gandy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Saint Leo University and a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice from Troy University. He is also a graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy.

Throughout his career, Chief Gandy has been a strong advocate for trauma-informed policing and community collaboration. He played a key role in launching Virginia’s most successful Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) program, developing training and securing grant funding to support its growth. As a supervisor of the Domestic Violence Unit, he implemented awareness and prevention training for military installations, leading to measurable reductions in domestic violence incidents among service families.

Today, as Chief of Police for the City of Madison, Chief Gandy continues to model a leadership style rooted in integrity, accountability, and compassion. His commitment to partnership with organizations like Advocacy Family Network, Inc. reflects his belief that true community safety begins with empathy, collaboration, and a shared dedication to protecting every individual’s right to live free from violence and fear.