Sgt. Allison Key

• Date Hired: July 2004
• Named Bedford County Employee of the Quarter in July 2025

Sgt. Key was recently called to a home where the resident had been hospitalized due to an illness and placed in rehab. Upon arriving at the home, she found it in poor condition with numerous dogs and unsanitary conditions. Learning the resident couldn't return until the home was cleaned, Sgt. Key took it upon herself to clean the house, replace the flooring, and secure donated furniture through the AGAPE Center and a family friend. Working with Friends of Bedford County Animal Shelter, she found homes for all of the dogs.

Learn more about Sgt. Key in this Q&A.

How did your career with the Bedford County Sheriff's Office begin?

I was officially hired in 2004, but my journey with the Bedford County Sheriff's Office actually began a year earlier during my internship in 2003. I started out working in the office, and once I turned 21, I joined the team as a patrol deputy. I spent the next 16 years serving in the patrol division, which I really enjoyed.

When did you transition into animal control?

That shift happened about five years ago, around the time Sheriff Miller stepped into his role. I still remember him joking with me, saying, "If I put you in this position, we’re not going to need to build an annex to the animal shelter, are we?" Everyone knows I’ve always had a deep passion for animals.

What drove you to go above and beyond in this recent animal seizure case?

This is my home—I was born and raised here. Caring for this community, especially its most vulnerable members, is truly my life’s calling. In this case, I took the time to get to know the resident and her background. While it might be difficult for some people to understand, sometimes these situations require compassion for all involved.

Who have been your biggest influences or mentors?

My dad, without a doubt. He instilled a strong work ethic in me from a young age. Even now, at 70 years old, he’s still the hardest-working man I know. My grandfather was another major influence—he served in the Army and later as a town police officer. He had a real passion for helping others, and that stuck with me.

How do you spend your time outside of work?

Even off the clock, animals are a big part of my life. I’ve rescued dogs from the Bedford County Animal Shelter over the years and care for them at my home and farm. So, while I might not get much of a break from animals, I wouldn’t have it any other way.