AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) -- For the first time in more than five years, an area sheriff’s office has earned accreditation from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services.

According to a release, the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office received its Accreditation Award on Wednesday during the Augusta County Board of Supervisors’ meeting.

The sheriff’s office lost its accreditation in 2015 and attempts to earn re-accreditation in 2019 failed.

It reapplied in 2022 and has now been re-accredited by the state.

“Without the work of everyone at the Sheriff’s Office, this would not have been possible.  Every employee was tasked with various duties, bought into the policies and procedures of the office, and adopted a professional mindset; this paid off tremendously,” said Sheriff’ Donald Smith. “I appreciate everyone’s hard work, professionalism and dedication to the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office.  Without every employee’s commitment to excellence and professionalism, we would not have been re-accredited.”

The loss of accreditation in 2015 was in part due to evidence issues within the sheriff’s office under then-Sheriff Randy Fisher.