Passing of NOBLE Founder
Chief Burtell Jefferson
The
National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) is
deeply saddened to inform you of the passing of Founding NOBLE member,
Chief Burtell Jefferson.
Chief
Jefferson was truly a pioneer and giant upon whose shoulders many
Blacks in law enforcement stand. He was a United States Army veteran,
who joined the Washington, DC Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) in
1948, when only a handful of black officers were on the job. Although
the department was still segregated with black officers relegated to
patrolling the least desirable areas, by 1950, Chief Jefferson had
become a Detective. He worked in several different investigative units,
including the Robbery Squad and the Morals Division. In 1972, Chief
Jefferson was awarded a Presidential Citation for his leadership as
captain and commander of the Robbery Squad, and for his impact in
achieving a 13 percent reduction in the crime rate in the District of
Columbia’s Third District.
Chief
Jefferson steadily rose through the ranks at MPD, becoming a Lieutenant
in 1968, an Assistant Chief in 1974; and, in 1978, he became the
District of Columbia’s first African American Chief of Police. He served
honorably in this position until retiring in 1981, after thirty three
years of service. Chief Jefferson was responsible for numerous
publications and has been recognized by countless national, local and
private leaders for his contributions to the betterment of the city of
Washington, DC. He is also widely considered as having significantly
contributed to the advancement of many fellow officers in their
promotion and elevation through police department ranks. In 1976, he was
among 61 founders who came together to create the National Organization
of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE). He remained a member of
the Washington, DC Metro Chapter until his passing. A history of Chief
Jefferson’s career can be found here.
NOBLE
National President Lynda R. Williams and the NOBLE family extend our
deepest sympathy to Chief Jefferson’s family, members of the Washington
DC Metropolitan Chapter, and all the many colleagues and friends that
were touched by his life and service.
Arrangements have not been finalized but will be shared when the information becomes available.
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