Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Hey Vernon Leigh... been working on the Christmas decorations the last couple of days and thinking back to when we were growing up and all the fun we'd have at Christmas. Miss you .... always will. Vanessa

Vanessa Duling-St.Clair

December 13, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 37th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer. My older son was born in the city where you policed and protected the citizens.

I pray for solace for all those who love and remember you, especially your daughter, niece, and friend Jim Crotty, for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Jim, your reflections left for Vernon have been so touching, and I know that all that were there that night and involved in the search for the other defendants will never forget those hours. From my own experience, I know that there are two things vitally important for families of murdered officers: that their beloved officer not be forgotten and that justice is served. I know you will always remember your friend.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

August 1, 2010

hey Vernon i was sitting here thinking about you !! looking at your picture makes me smile as well!!

ric jarrelle
cousin

July 30, 2010

Hey Vernon, I just spoke with your cousin Ric . . what a great guy . . he loves you buddy, speaks of you with reverence . . we all love you.

Jim Crotty

July 26, 2010

Thank you Officer Carpenter . . . God bless you.

JMC

July 24, 2010

Rest in peace Patrolman Jarrelle. You were a Warrior in every sense of the word. The reflections I've read about you leave no doubt. The Lord has you in his arms now but you will not be forgotten here. May your memory serve as a reminder to all of us what excellance is. Thank you for your service.

PO Adam Carpenter
Las Vegas Metro P.D./ Laughlin Sub.

July 15, 2010

Hey Vernon, incredible news! Early this morning, your Daughter Joanne, her husband, Dennis and your 13 year old Granddaughter, Katie, stopped by my home on their way to Florida. Vernon, I'm so happy I can't stand it!! You'd be SO proud.

Joanne is wonderful, a beautiful young lady, who, even though too young to remember, honors and loves you more than I can tell you. She's so proud of you buddy, and makes special efforts to keep you and you memory alive! You'll NEVER be forgotten, nor will what you did, to protect everyone in Richmond, that August morning.

Your Granddaughter, Katey is amazing . . a perfect lady, poise and maturity beyond her years. Genuine and sincere, just like you! I was SO impressed! She knows all about you, is proud of you, as though you were never stolen from us. She loved my Richmond, VA police memorabilia, because you were a part of it all.

Dennis is a solid guy. I liked him immediately. He's strictly "Richmond layed back," with that unique Richmond Southern accent like you had! Trust me, Joanne and Katie are in good hands! We all talked, looked at pictures of you and our other friends, and I "told some stories on you!" When I hugged Joanne goodbye (for now) I felt so close to you. She and I have a special bond, forever! I know you're there . . I know you know . . . 'till next time, rest easy.

With brotherly love, and utmost respect, your friend forever, Jim

Jim Crotty
Friend/Fellow Richmond, VA Officer

April 3, 2010

Hey Vernon, Tonight I got a great email from your Niece, Tina Jarrelle Loving. She's working on a Jarrelle family heritage project, and wanted to know more about you. Tina said that your brother Jerry, has told her many stories about the 2 of you growing up, and she wants to know even more about you. I'm so honored that she wants me to tell her about you "on the job." I can certainly do that! I'll keep you posted! "679 will be 10-7 until next time!"
With respect and brotherly love, Jim Crotty, (Good friend and fellow Richmond, VA Police Officer). PS Hey buddy, when she signed her name, she wrote "Tina Jarrelle Loving."
Your name and memory will live on forever, I promice you.

Special Agent Jim Crotty (Ret.)
Bureau of ATF

February 19, 2010

Thank you for your service and may God continue to bless your family and friends.

Master Officer
Chesterfield County Police Dept.

August 1, 2009

It's that day again Vernon. I'm so sorry . . .

Jim Crotty, Special Agent (Ret.)
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms

August 1, 2009

Vernon, 36 years ago, to the minute, as I write you this reflection, we were out there, on duty, protecting, proud members of the elite Richmond Police Task Force. You were in the North side, I was in the East end and downtown. Who would know it was your last tour of duty, and that in approximately 15 hours, while you worked your off duty day job, a coward would murder you during an armed robbery (and you, a true warrior, would kill him!) We all love and miss you Vernon!

Rest easy. You couldn't be replaced, after all, you were Vernon Jarrelle, so we just had to close our ranks a little tighter. Hey Vernon, there is a brass plaque on the building where you were murdered, honoring you (and of course, it's on the building where you killed your murderer). Thank you for protecting all of us that God awful morning.

My name is Jim Crotty and if you ever want to know more about Vernon Leigh Jarrelle, Jr., my friend and fellow Richmond Policeman, a real policeman, a true warrior and a hell of a man, write to me, [email protected]. I'd be honored to tell you about him and have the opportunity to perpetuate his honorable memory.

I'll come visit you at Signal Hill soon buddy, and of course, leave you a Richmond Police shoulder patch! And to all my brother and sister officers out there, "Be first, be fast, the blue shirts must win!"

Jim Crotty, special agent (Ret.)
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms

July 31, 2009

Hey Vernon,

Your Memorial Page is complete buddy. Your badge number, 427, is now reflected, and the details of the incident have been amended to reveal your incredible heroism and true warrior mentality. When I think "Policeman," I think, Vernon Jarrelle, and always will!

With brotherly love and utmost respect, Jim Crotty
(former Richmond, VA Policeman, and good friend of Vernon Leigh Jarrelle, Jr.

Jim Crotty, Special Agent (Ret.)
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms

March 24, 2009

Hey Vernon,

Just checkin' on ya buddy. I visited your grave site a few weeks ago. I left you a Bureau of Police patch. Hanover County, VA is as beautiful as ever, so Southern, just like you. Hey Vernon, our good friend, Stuart Cook has been the Sheriff there for many years. He's got your back. I love ya buddy & think about you and all the others, every day! I'll check in again! With eternal brotherly love and respect,

Jim Crotty, former Richmond, VA policeman, and good friend of Vernon Leigh Jarrelle, Jr.

Jim Crotty, Special Agent (Ret.)
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms

January 29, 2009

thinking about you this morning vernon. i wonder what you would think about the world news today if you were still here with us? your cousin ric jarrelle

Anonymous

December 2, 2008

DEAR BROTHER, I WAS SEARCHING THE ODMP FOR OFFICERS ENDING THERE WATCH ON MY EXACT DATE OF BIRTH AND YOU WERE THE ONLY ONE.MAY GOD ALWAYS BE WITH YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE

DEPUTY JAMES C. CARR
YAZOO COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT/YAZOO CITY,MISSISSIPPI

June 7, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

April 7, 2008

Thinking about Vernon. You good friend, Jim

Jim Crotty, Special Agent (Ret,)
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms

November 30, 2007

Thinking of you Vernon . . . as I always do . . . so often when I see a young policeman in uniform, I wonder to myself: "I wonder if he's as sharp as Vernon?" I miss you buddy, Jim

Jim Crotty

September 22, 2007

Vernon,

It seems like only yesterday that I was leaving you a reflection, but yet another year has come and gone and today is the 34th year that has passed since you were murdered.

I guess not too many people remember what they were doing on an August 1st of any year, but I remember vividly what I was doing at this very minute . . . 34 years ago. It was 7:34 P.M. A few hours earlier, Richmond Police Patrolman Gary D. Taylor had called me at home and told me that you'd been murdered. I put on my uniform, drove to the police department, checked out a shotgun, and like every other Richmond Police Officer, was given a mug shot of the one that escaped. Only because you were the true warrior that you were . . . and that you were Vernon Leigh Jarrelle, Jr., were you, after being mortally wounded, able to shoot and kill the one that murdered you!

"Pokey" Campbell and Stephenson (E.O.W. 12/13/74)told me they'd found an extra marked unit, and the three of us headed out into the bad streets of Richmond, to find the violator . . . to confront him . . . to give you ultimate justice. Every "pool unit" at the garage was checked out by off duty officers, all with the mug shot of the violator (he was no suspect), that our first class homicide detectives had developed . . . Harding, Kennedy, the Gaudet Brothers . . . all of them, investigating non-stop to find the partner of the trigger man.

It wasn't long and informants were calling in with information and leads . . . leads and locations. Billy Stevens would come over the air and announce "All Units, we've received information that the suspect is at 8716 N. 32nd Street (etc.) and it seemed that every time, Pokey, Steve and I would be close. There was no knocking, no announcing, just doors "exploding" off their hinges and frames in front of us. It was a fever pitch, there was a passion that I can't put into words. We all loved you, loved each other . . . it was commonplace for us to be involved in shootings . . . many officers had been shot in Richmond, many had been murdered . . . Harry Charlton III only a couple of years earlier, and as always, it enraged us. . it made us close . . . protective of one another. For some reason, we were even more enraged this time. In retrospect, I feel it was because of your youth, your promise, your personality and your indescribable devotion to duty. There were 550 of us aggressively searching . . . looking at every face, the mug shot, the faces, the mug shot. Every time we'd get ready to make an entry, Pokey would grab my arm hard, and state "be careful . . . take it easy!!" Like every other policeman in Richmond, I wanted to be the one to find him, to confront him . . . to find justice for you . . . God I loved and respected you . . . from February 14, 1972 when we met the first day of the Academy, till today and till the day I die.

That night came and went as did the next and the next . . . but our homicide detectives found him a few days later . . . many miles away from Richmond. He was sentenced to a long prison term, but never completed it . . . another prisoner murdered him during an argument . . . my sentiments need not be expressed. Vernon, your murder was an "inside job" and the woman who was the co-conspirator working at the food stamp distribution center, served a prison sentence, but unfortunately, was released.

Your daughter Joanne saw her in Richmond. She told me how emotional it was. I am certain of this Vernon, if some bullet doesn’t find her in some drug deal gone bad, God will . . . and the gates will be slammed shut in her face . . . it's a matter of time.

Police who read this will understand my sentiments, however there are some civilians who may think I'm hardened, jaded and unreasonable. It's okay . . . they are the protected . . . they didn't police the streets of one of the most violent cities in what is documented the most violent decade against police . . . the 70s. They need to look at the statistics on the front page of this great web site . . . and maybe they'll understand. But that's not important. . . what is important is sad, and that is that you were stolen from us . . . from your parents, your wife, your daughter Joanne, your 2 beautiful grand daughters, and the countless people, like me, who loved, admired and respected you. You will never be forgotten Vernon. . . we will speak your name until the day we die, and then those who come behind us will speak your name and those who come behind them. Vernon Leigh Jarrelle, Jr . . . a man, a husband, a father, a friend, a policeman, a hero . . . a warrior!

With utmost respect and genuine brotherly love, Jim Crotty
(former Richmond, VA Police Officer and close friend of Vernon Leigh Jarrelle, Jr.)

Special Agent Jim Crotty
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (Ret.)

August 1, 2007

Thank you Tina and Richard for leaving the reflection for my father. I often check to see if there are any new reflections and it is nice to know he is still thought of today. I do miss him very much and wish he had been here to watch me grow up and to meet his grandchildren, but God had other plans. I know he is in heaven watching me everyday and keeping his eye on things down here on earth. I wish you all well and maybe someday we will all meet. To you dad (from your little rugrat, I love you and miss you dearly and think of you every day and wish you were here with me and mom. I will check back in August to leave you another letter from me. I love you, until then.

Your daughter,
Joanne Jarrelle Jones

Joanne Jarrelle Jones
daughter

July 26, 2007

I never knew Vernon Jarrelle but heard unbelievable stories about him from my father Jerry Jarrelle. Sometimes it brings me to tears when he states how much he misses him and loves him. He was truely my father's hero!!! Vernon watched over my father as they grew up together and I know that he is watching over him now. I just want to say thank you Vernon for being his angel! And thank you for the scarifice you suffered to protect so many.And thank you fro all the memories/stories that have entertained me throughout my life, everytime i speak to my father he talks about you. May you laugh with us with love. Blessings to your family whom i look foward to meeting and hearing even more stories.

Tina Jarrelle-Loving
Niece

June 11, 2007

VERNON WAS MY COUSIN,I REMEMBER HE WOULD COME BY OUR HOUSE AND VISIT WITH US.MY FATHER WAS VERNONS UNCLE EARL JARRELLE I CANNOT TELL YOU THE HURT AND ANGER THAT WAS FELT WHEN VERNON WAS KILLED .MY DAD WAS VERY PROUD OF WHAT HE HAD BECOME AT SUCH AN EARLY AGE.I WISH I HAD BEEN OLDER TO HAVE HAD MORE MEMORIES OF VERNON,I AM VERY PROUD TO BE RELATED TO HIM. I THINK OF HIM OFFEN AS NOW MY FATHER PASTED ON 10-06-2006.

RICHARD K JARRELLE
COUSIN

December 12, 2006

Hi Dad,

It was 33 years ago 8/1/73 that you were murdered and taken away from me.. I think about you each and everyday..I am still learning from this very day all about you.. just when I thought I knew it all someone comes along and tells me so much more. I recently came in contact with a good friend of yours a Mr.Jim Crotty...He speaks of you very highly. We talked for many hours about you and your life not only with me and mom, but about you career you were trying to build. Mr. Crotty has become a very dear person in my heart and I believe you sent him to me after all these years to allow me to feel more peace and love from you that was so wrongly taken from me. And yes, you have 2 beautiful grand-daughters. Jessica is 17 years old and Katie is 9 years old. You would be so proud of them and love them dearly. I have told them all about you over the years and constantly remind them when they say there prayers at night to "tell your grandfather good-night and that you love him"..I am here today to honor you. I hope anyone who may read this reflection someday and the others left for you, to know what a WONDERFUL AND LOVING FATHER YOU WERE and a GOOD POLICEMAN you were. I know you are in heaven now watching over me and mom and our families. But know that you will never be forgotten and I miss you very much and thank you for sending me Mr.Crotty, I feel he is just another angel here on earth watching over me too.

With all my love, Rest in Peace my dear father and I will meet you again some sweet day.

Joanne Jarrelle Jones-daughter
Kathleen Diane Jones-grand-daughter
Jessica Brooke Varner-grand-daughter

Joanne Jarrelle Jones
daughter

August 3, 2006

Vernon, my brother,

It's so difficult to believe that today marks the 33rd year anniversary of your murder, when you were taken away from so many that loved and cared for you. I have thought of you each day of those 33 years, and miss you more than words can describe. You had it "going on" Vernon, both personally and professionally. I'll always remember that contagious smile and laughter, your confidence and quick wit. It was such and honor to have been your friend and fellow officer . . . and speaking of "officer" . . . you were constantly "10-8." You were constructively aggressive, always proactive, always out of your car checking out suspicious looking characters, running them for warrants, and constantly getting "hits." Although you were a "stand out" you were a team player all the way. And Vernon, you were a true hero and warrior, in every since of the words. You always persevered, stayed the course no matter how rough the going got. You were so loyal to all of your fellow officers . . . I remember several occasions when you were the first on the scene when I put out the "Mayday." You possessed and inherent need to protect the citizens of Richmond, and a mental constitution of raw steel, as was demonstrated that August 1st morning in 1973, at the food stamp distribution center in downtown Richmond.

Vernon, I often wondered how your daughter JoAnne was doing, just being an infant when you were murdered. Recently, she contacted me . . . and we spoke about you for hours . . . not the "company line" but I told her about Vernon Jarrelle, the man, the father (to her) and the great policeman . . . from what you liked to eat, your incredible attention to the detail to your uniform, to how fast you'd drive to get to a policeman in distress . . . everything!!

And Vernon, let there be no doubt, she is your daughter, in every way! She has your laugh, sense of humor, warmth, strength and compassion. And Vernon, you are a Grand Daddy.
You'd be so proud of her and you Grandchild. I just hate that you were robbed of all that, and so were they! Ok buddy, I just wanted to keep you updated and to tell you how much I love and miss you. You are a true warrior. With brotherly love and utmost respect,

Jim Crotty (Proud friend and fellow police officer of Vernon Leigh Jarrelle Jr.)

Jim Crotty Special Agent (Ret.)
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms

August 1, 2006

I thank you for your service and salute you for your sacrifice.

Rest in peace, Hero.

September 27, 2004