The Shadow
RICHMOND, Va. (VR) – Virginia State Police is mourning the loss of retired Superintendent Colonel W. Gerald Massengill who passed away early Wednesday morning, January 1, surrounded by family at his home in Dinwiddie County. Colonel Massengill proudly served the Virginia State Police for 37 years, from 1966 – 2003, and led the department as superintendent from 2000 – 2003.
“Colonel Massengill was a highly respected leader with a steadfast commitment to serving and protecting the great Commonwealth of Virginia,” said Virginia State Police Superintendent Colonel Gary T. Settle. “During his extensive tenure with the State Police, Colonel Massengill was known for his calm, kind, and compassionate demeanor. We are deeply saddened by his passing. He will be greatly missed.”
Colonel Massengill’s State Police career took him to riots, floods, coal workers’ strikes, labor disputes, demonstrations, crash and crime scenes, and hostage situations. He led the State Police through the terrorist attack on the Pentagon on September 11, 2001, and the D.C.-Virginia sniper shootings in 2002. He credited such incidents, and the lessons learned from each one, as helping mold his leadership style and personal philosophy – “To do things the right way, but to always do the ‘right’ things.”
Colonel Massengill was recognized by the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police with the Outstanding Contribution to Law Enforcement Award in 2010 for his many years of service with the State Police and his continued service to the Commonwealth and to Virginia law enforcement following his retirement.
“Colonel Massengill was a man of integrity and vision. He worked tirelessly for the betterment of public safety and his positive influence, dedication to saving lives, and many vital contributions will have a lasting impact on the department and the citizens of the Commonwealth for years to come,” said Interim Superintendent Lieutenant Colonel Matthew D. Hanley.
As a Trooper, Colonel Massengill was assigned to Isle of Wight County. He was promoted to Sergeant in 1975, covering Tazewell County, and within a year achieved the rank of First Sergeant. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 1984 and assigned to the Richmond Division. He assumed the position of Safety Officer upon being appointed Captain of the Safety Division in 1993. A year later he achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and became Director of the Bureau of Field Operations (BFO). In this position, he implemented statewide saturation patrols that were primarily responsible for reducing Virginia’s “Interstate Highway Death Rate” by 33 percent.
After six years of leading the State Polic’s uniformed divisions, Colonel Massengill was appointed to Superintendent in 2000 by former Governor James S. Gilmore, III. As Superintendent, Colonel Massengill was instrumental in acquiring much-needed equipment, weaponry, and vehicle upgrades for sworn personnel. Mobile Data Terminals became standard issue in State Police patrol vehicles under his tenure. He also oversaw the implementation of a new standardized and balanced promotional testing program for sworn ranks. I the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the Virginia Fusion Center was created and State Police Counter-Terrorism and Criminal Interdiction Teams were established around the Commonwealth. And, under Colonel Massengill’s helm, Virginia’s A.M.B.E.R. Alert program became a life-saving tool for endangered children.
Two years after his retirement in 2003, former Governor Mark R. Warner asked Colonel Massengill to serve as the interim director of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. He retired from this post in 2006. A year later, former Governor Timothy M. Kaine asked Colonel Massengill to lead an eight-member panel charged with investigating the April 16, 2007 school massacre at Virginia Tech. Under his direction and guidance, the panel provided comprehensive recommendations that have since been enacted into law and prompted improvements in school and state policy.
Colonel Massengill also served as executive director of the Virginia Public Safety Foundation, a nonprofit organization which provides financial assistance to the families of state public safety officers killed or severely injured in the line of duty.
“All of us at the State Police are grateful for Colonel Massengill’s many years of service and mentorship. We send our heartfelt appreciation and deepest condolences to his family,” Colonel Settle said. “For those of us who were fortunate enough to serve alongside him and under his leadership, it is an honor.”
