Karen J. Bassford

Officer Karen Jean Bassford (February 21, 1947 – July 27, 1977) was a 30-year-old Fairfax County Police officer who was killed in an automobile crash near Vienna on July 27, 1977.[1]

Officer Bassford was responding to a report of a burglary in progress in McLean when she lost control of her patrol car on Gallows Road near Merry Oaks Lane. The car slid nearly 500 feet before running off the road and striking a utility pole, causing Bassford to be ejected from the car.[1]

Early life and education

Born in Arlington, Bassford was one of two children of George K. and Helen M. Bassford. She grew up in Fairfax County and graduated from George C. Marshall High School in 1965.[1]

Career

From 1969 to 1974, Bassford worked as a communications clerk for the Arlington County Police Department. She next served as a deputy sheriff in Arlington from February 1974 to June 1976.[1]

Bassford was sworn in as a Fairfax County police officer on June 21, 1976.[2] At the time of her death, she was assigned to the McLean District Station.[1]

Officer Bassford was the first Fairfax County Police officer to be killed in the line of duty, and is buried in the National Memorial Park in Falls Church.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Boodman, Sandra G. "1st on-Duty Officer Dies in Fairfax." The Washington Post (1974-Current file): C1. ProQuest Historical Newspapers: The Washington Post (1877-1994). Jul 28 1977. Web. 16 Oct. 2011.
  2. ↑ Courtney, Daniel P. History of the Fairfax County Police Department, 1921-1990. Fairfax, VA: History4All, 2009. Print.

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