New sign for the Trooper Jacqueline Vernon Memorial Bridge unveiled. Photo Contributed
To those driving on Interstate 395 over South Glebe Road, “Trooper Jacqueline Vernon Memorial Bridge” might seem like just another name. Someone briefly commuting through Arlington might not know about her dedication to service, first in the military, and then as a state trooper. They might not know about her death when she was struck by a bus after she pulled over a vehicle in 1988, becoming the first female and first black State Trooper killed in the line of duty, and they might not know about the 27-year push for a memorial. Many driving over the road might not notice Jacqueline Vernon’s name or life, but someone might, and for her friends and coworkers, that's enough.
At a ceremony on Aug. 26 in the Arlington County Board Room, Trooper Jacqueline Vernon was remembered by friends and coworkers, sharing reflections with legislators who had pushed for the memorial during the 2015 legislative session.
“We went to the academy together, then we went to station in Arlington and was on the same shift,” Charles King III, a Master Trooper, recalled. “She was a very good trooper. She worked accidents and would always back you up on calls. She was always there to assist you. She helped me with several traffic stops.”
Vernon as someone who could be relied on was a recurring theme of the Trooper’s reflections.
“She always had your back.” said Myrlin Wimbish, a Master Trooper. “I counted on her more than I did most of the guys. We had the ‘power shift,’ it was about four or five of us that bonded together. When one of us had a call, we’d all respond. She was a team player. Couldn’t have asked for a better shift mate. She was very dependable.”
Vernon’s death was so sudden, the troopers recalled that there was an intense storm of confusion and disbelief in the immediate aftermath.
“I couldn’t believe it,” said Wimbish. “I was working with her that morning. The night before, she’d helped me with a stolen vehicle. When I heard about it, I didn’t believe it.”
King said he was in Richmond in Field Training Officer’s School when he heard the news.
“I was in a classroom and they came in and told us they had some tragic news,” said King. “I dropped my head. I was so shocked, I never expected to hear that. Another officer confirmed it. It was also my birthday. So every time my birthday comes around, I think of her.”
Arlington County passed a resolution in 2014 in favor of naming the bridge in Vernon’s honor, and a bill sponsored by state Sen. Barbara Favola and Del. Rob Krupicka passed early in 2015.
“The Virginia Association of State Police came to me and asked me to put the bill in,” said Favola. “They felt it was important to recognize this woman’s contributions. So many of our uniformed service-men and women make sacrifices and are injured on the job, and some lose their lives. It’s important to show the community that we value their contribution and that public service is a noble calling: something we should honor. There weren’t that many women wearing the badge at that time.She was the first female graduate from the police academy and a real role model for women.”
Many in the audience were disgruntled that the memorial took 27 years, but most were satisfied with the results.
“It’s a long time coming,” said Wimbish. “It shouldn’t have taken this long, but I’m glad it’s there now.”
“I was so happy to see that sign,” said King. “It feels good. It’s been a long time coming and she deserves it. The public, they don’t know her, but they’ll see her name and they’ll remember her.”