Arlington County’s top law enforcement leadership just got a boost from within.
Sheriff José Quiroz has promoted longtime department veteran Juan Gelabert to Chief Deputy of the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office. It’s a big moment not just for the department, but for Gelabert personally—he grew up in Arlington, graduated from the local public schools, and has spent his entire 23-year career serving the community that raised him.
Gelabert started at the Sheriff’s Office back in 2001, working in detention operations. Since then, he’s taken on nearly every job in the department—Court Security, Civil Process, Training, Internal Affairs, and Corrections. Most recently, he was Director of Corrections, where he oversaw the county jail’s day-to-day operations, long-term planning, and staffing.
Now, as second-in-command under Sheriff Quiroz, Gelabert will help lead the agency through what continues to be a demanding time for local law enforcement—especially in the areas of inmate care, public trust, and staff retention.
“Chief Deputy Gelabert has demonstrated steady leadership, integrity, and a deep commitment to both our staff and those in our custody throughout his career,” said Quiroz. “His operational experience, institutional knowledge, and dedication to Arlington make him exceptionally well-suited for this role.”
For Gelabert, the promotion is about continuity—and giving back to a place that has shaped his entire life.
“Being raised in Arlington and having the opportunity to serve this community for more than 20 years has been an incredible honor,” he said. “I’m proud to step into this role and excited to continue working alongside the dedicated men and women of the Sheriff’s Office.”
In addition to decades of hands-on experience, Gelabert brings an educational and leadership resume that includes completing the national Jail Executive Institute and graduating from Leadership Arlington. He also participates in the county’s EMERGE program, designed to support local government leadership development. His certifications include jail operations, court security, and law enforcement training.
Gelabert is also a member of the Virginia Sheriffs’ Association, National Sheriffs’ Association, and the American Correctional Association. He’s earned multiple Meritorious Service Awards and Letters of Commendation along the way.