WHEREAS¸ Jacqueline Vernon was born in Carretta, West Virginia on November 4, 1955; and
WHEREAS¸ Jacqueline Vernon graduated from Big Creek High School in War, West Virginia in June, 1974; and
WHEREAS¸ Jacqueline Vernon served in the U.S. Army and received an honorable discharge at an E-2 rank; and
WHEREAS¸ Jacqueline Vernon joined the Virginia State Police Department in January 1984; and
WHEREAS, upon graduation from the State Police Academy, Jacqueline Vernon was assigned to Northern Virginia where she remained for the remainder of her career; and
WHEREAS, Trooper Vernon received eleven commendations between 1984 and 1988; and
WHEREAS¸ Trooper Vernon was struck and killed while making a traffic stop on an High Occupancy Lane violator on northbound Interstate 395 between the Shirlington and Glebe Road exits on August 16, 1988; and
WHEREAS, Trooper Vernon was the first African American, and first female Trooper, killed in the line of duty, as well as first female police officer, killed in the line of duty in the Commonwealth;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, THAT THE ARLINGTON COUNTY BOARD:
- Recognizes the many contributions of Trooper Jacqueline Vernon to the Commonwealth of Virginia;
- Expresses our condolences to the family and many friends of Trooper Jacqueline Vernon, and;
- Supports the General Assembly’s actions to name the Interstate 395 Bridge over Glebe Road in memory of Trooper Jacqueline Vernon.
Adopted by the Arlington County Board – September 23, 2014
Revised and Adopted by the Arlington County Board – September 30, 2014