Roanoke County’s long-standing sheriff has been nominated to be the U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Virginia.

U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Jim Webb nominated Gerald Holt in a March letter to President Obama. It is unclear when Obama might make an appointment.

Holt, 66, said if he is chosen he would leave the post he’s held in the county for the past 17 years. His current term will end in two years.

The senators also nominated Washington County Sheriff Fred Newman.

Wayne Pike, the current marshal for the Western District, was appointed by President Bush in 2002. Before his appointment, he served five terms as the Wythe County sheriff. He could not be reached Thursday.

The president’s appointment must be approved by the Senate.