About Donald E. "Smokey" Belin

I was born and raised in Union County, North Carolina, in a Christian home by two of the best parents! The oldest of four sons, my parents instilled in me the core values of honesty and integrity, as well as a strong work ethic and a deep respect for others.  

After graduating from high school in 1983, I left NC for Fort Benning, Georgia, where I completed Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training. My first duty station was Fort Stewart, GA. Later, I returned to Ft. Benning for Jump School.  My next duty station was Fort Richardson, Alaska, where I was stationed for over a year. While returning from a power lifting competition for the Army in 1985,  I was in a serious car accident. Unfortunately, my injuries prevented me from returning to my Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) and I was honorably discharged. 

In 1988, I returned to NC and began my law enforcement career with Monroe Public Safety, where I served as a firefighter and a police officer.  In 1994, I resigned from my position to begin my career as a private investigator and professional bodyguard. I had the honor of providing service for celebrities such as Ray Charles, Reba McIntire, Clint Black, Wynonna Judd, The Eagles, The Temptations, Michael Jordan, Nelly, and several others!  

I met my wife, Leigh, in 2003 and we married the following year. In 2005, I decided to return to law enforcement. After completing Basic Law Enforcement Training at South Piedmont Community College, I began serving with the Waxhaw (NC) Police Department. During my time there, I was promoted to Sergeant and was awarded Officer of the Year in 2006. In 2008, I had the opportunity to serve in our hometown with the Matthews Police Department. During my time in Matthews, I was promoted from patrol officer to training officer. I also earned multiple certifications to teach as a general instructor, specialized firearms instructor, specialized driving instructor, and active shooter instructor. Concurrently, I served on the South Towns Special Response Team as a marksman-observer/sniper. After 21 years of law enforcement, I retired in April 2020.

While still living and working in NC, Leigh and I purchased our 1900's farmhouse in Newberne and began the renovations on the house ourselves. In preparation for our move, we spent 4 years and poured lots of blood, sweat, and some tears into our project! We were so excited as we anticipated the move to West Virginia! So in the Spring of 2020, as the COVID pandemic was taking hold, we made the permanent move to our little farm in the hills! I spent the next 3 years working on our farm, learning electrical work with our neighbor and good friend, Steve Glass, and loving our new home!

Though I was  enjoying the quiet, slower pace of retirement, I was asked to serve our community as the Chief Deputy in the Fall of 2022.  I accepted the position with the Gilmer County Sheriff's Office and started working again in January 2023.  

Leigh and I are both committed to serving this community. She has been a labor & delivery nurse for 27 years and is currently working at United Hospital Center in Bridgeport. She was born and raised in the Clarksburg area and still has a lot of family in Gilmer and Harrison Counties. Between the two of us, we have a total of 5 children and 2 grandchildren. We are so happy with our decision to move to WV and plan to spend the remainder of our days on our little farm in Newberne.

I hope we've met in person and exchanged a word or two. If we haven't had the opportunity yet, please say hello if our paths cross in town or drop me a line so that we can connect. I encourage you to get out and VOTE in the primary election on May 14th and I can't wait to serve as your Gilmer County Sheriff!