2025 SESSION

ENROLLED

SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 251

Celebrating the life of William Gerald Massengill.

Agreed to by the Senate, February 13, 2025

WHEREAS, William Gerald Massengill, an honorable veteran, esteemed law-enforcement officer and former superintendent of the Virginia State Police, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, and member of the Dinwiddie County community, died on January 1, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Gerald Massengill enlisted with the United States Air Force in 1961 and served his country with honor and distinction as an air policeman; and

WHEREAS, following his service, Gerald Massengill embarked upon a distinguished 37-year career with the Virginia State Police in 1966 as a trooper in Isle of Wight County; and

WHEREAS, as a testament to his leadership and exemplary service, Gerald Massengill rose through the ranks of the Virginia State Police and ultimately obtained the rank of colonel; in 2000, he was appointed superintendent of the agency by Governor James S. Gilmore III; and

WHEREAS, during his tenure as superintendent, Gerald Massengill spearheaded the Virginia State Police's response to the 9/11 attacks and the Washington, D.C. area sniper shootings in 2002 and advanced several initiatives, such as the Commonwealth's AMBER Alert plan, to enhance the agency's ability to protect and serve the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, following his retirement in 2003, Gerald Massengill continued to serve the Commonwealth as interim director of what was then the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, as executive director of the Virginia Public Safety Foundation, and as chair of the Virginia Tech Review Panel that was assembled following the April 16, 2007 massacre at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of his commitment to law enforcement and the safety and welfare of others, Gerald Massengill was presented with various accolades, including the Outstanding Contribution to Law Enforcement Award by the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police in 2010; and

WHEREAS, Gerald Massengill was a proud member of Purdie Masonic Lodge #170 of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons for more than 50 years and gave generously of his time with the Sutherland Ruritan Club, where he served as president; and

WHEREAS, guided throughout his life by his faith, Gerald Massengill enjoyed worship and fellowship with his community at Ocran United Methodist Church in Sutherland, where he held several leadership positions; and

WHEREAS, preceded in death by his daughter Laura, Gerald Massengill will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his loving wife of 61 years, Juanita; his children, Alan and Kevin, and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of Virginia hereby note with great sadness the loss of William Gerald Massengill, former superintendent of the Virginia State Police, whose integrity, dedication, and service made an impact on countless lives; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of William Gerald Massengill as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's respect for his memory.