Bill Text: VA SJR153 | 2022 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Celebrating the life of Vashon A. Jefferson.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2022-02-28 - Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ153ER) [SJR153 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2022-SJR153-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, Vashon A. Jefferson, an honorable veteran, revered campus safety officer at Bridgewater College, and beloved member of the Bridgewater community, died in the line of duty on February 1, 2022; and
WHEREAS, a native of Florida who grew up in Upperville, Vashon "J.J." Jefferson graduated from Fauquier High School, where he was a standout fullback and defensive lineman on the school's football team; and
WHEREAS, J.J. Jefferson served his country with valor and distinction as a member of the United States Marine Corps and embarked upon his noble career in law enforcement in 1997 as a patrol officer with the Fairfax County Sheriff's Office; and
WHEREAS, shortly thereafter, J.J. Jefferson served as a national reconnaissance officer in Chantilly from 1999 to 2011, supporting various intelligence endeavors in the interest of the nation's defense; and
WHEREAS, J.J. Jefferson subsequently joined the Shenandoah University Department of Public Safety and attained the rank of sergeant, becoming a visible and comforting presence on campus while developing thoughtful initiatives that earned him the university's James R. and Mary B. Wilkins Appreciation Award in 2017; and
WHEREAS, J.J. Jefferson came to Bridgewater College in August 2018 as a campus safety officer and was quickly recognized for his tireless efforts to ensure the well-being of the college community; and
WHEREAS, the heroism demonstrated by J.J. Jefferson in his final hour saved an untold number of lives and will be honored for generations to come; and
WHEREAS, Bridgewater College recently established the John Painter and Vashon "J.J." Jefferson Memorial Student Support Fund to memorialize J.J. Jefferson's sacrifice and legacy of service; and
WHEREAS, in addition to his contributions as a law-enforcement officer, J.J. Jefferson's commitment to public safety included his work as a firefighter with the Upperville Volunteer Fire Company; and
WHEREAS, in honor of J.J. Jefferson's sacrifice, flags in the Commonwealth were flown at half-staff on February 9, 2022, while thousands gathered at a memorial service at James Madison University's Atlantic Union Bank Center to pay their respects; and
WHEREAS, J.J. Jefferson will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his loving wife, Shannon; his mother, Willie; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Vashon A. Jefferson, a campus safety officer at Bridgewater College whose bravery in his community's time of need will never be forgotten; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Vashon A. Jefferson as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.
