A native of Stafford County, Major Carey began his career over four decades ago with the Stafford County Sheriff's Office and has continuously served with the agency since 1984. He has served in a variety of capacities throughout his service career, with each position having direct access to employees and the citizens of Stafford County. 

Major Carey started his career with the Stafford County Sheriff's Office under Sheriff Richard L. Ashby. He began as a deputy assigned to the jail and became a corporal. He then transferred to the patrol division as a street deputy. While serving in the patrol division, Major Carey was promoted first to the rank of Corporal and later to the rank of Sergeant.  After 10 years in Patrol, Major Carey was assigned to the Juvenile Services Unit (JSU) as a school resource officer. He devoted 8 years as an SRO to Stafford youth and families and was promoted to 1st Sergeant while in the JSU. In 2005 he was appointed to Lieutenant Commander of the Patrol/Special Operations Division. Major Carey was appointed Captain of Patrol/Special Operations Division in 2007. In 2012 Major Carey was assigned to the Court Services Division, until being appointed Major over the Operations Bureau.

Through his career, Major Carey spent time as a K-9 officer, Field Training Officer, S.W.A.T. Team member (& Sniper), Bike Patrol Unit, FTO Coordinator, School Resource Officer and Gang Intelligence Coordinator.

Major Carey has a long history and experience working with Stafford Schools and youth, leading to Major Carey having the privilege of being an appointee on the Governor’s School and Campus Safety Task-Force. The Task-Force was established by Governor Robert F. McDonnell in response to the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy. The task-force routinely met in 2013 to conduct a comprehensive review of school safety research and policy, identify best practices, and provide recommendations to enhance K-12 school safety and increase the effectiveness of the Virginia Center for School Safety. 

Major Carey has attended numerous leadership schools and seminars throughout his law enforcement career, to include the Leading, Educating, and Developing (LEAD) school through the Weldon Cooper Center at the University of Virginia. He enjoys teaching leadership in our community and especially to our youth. Major Carey has always maintained a strong emphasis on relationship and partnership building with the Stafford citizens through community engagement and involvement. 

The Operations Bureau consists of the Field Operations,  Special Operations, Court Services, and Animal Control Divisions.

Phone: (540) 658-4415
FAX: (540) 658-4433
E-Mail: scarey@staffordcountyva.gov