NOBLE mourns the loss of NOBLE Founder Chief Burtell Jefferson

 

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.