BV Lt. Jackie Brockenbrough said goodbye to many friends, relatives and well-wishers at a reception in his honor, held Friday at the BV Circuit Courtroom. Jackie received tens of hugs from many local female friends and a few kisses as well. None appeared to be more sincerely delivered than the one good friend, Mar Vita Flint (BV’s Commissioner of the Revenue), gave him above. (J. E. Clark photo)

Goodbye To Jackie Brockenbrough Lt. of the BVPD Retires After 25 Years Of Service By Jerry E. Clark   When it comes to kissing and hugging in public, no reception in recent memory surpassed that of the one given to honor BV Lt. Jackie Brockenbrough last Friday in Buena Vista. Although this reporter has known this man for years, he wasn’t aware of admiration so many Buena Vistans had for the 25 year police veteran, which includes many friendly, good-looking women. After a brief speech by current police chief Lewis Plogger, who praised Brockenbrough’s service and dedication to duty, an impressive array of gifts, plaques and honors were bestowed on the man whose actual last day was Tuesday, July 31. The reception included the attendance of more than 50 people and an excellent food buffet populated by about every traditional dish one could imagine. The BV Circuit courtroom was a fitting venue to hold such an event, especially since Brockenbrough had spent so many hours testifying before juries and judges there, as a result of countless local crime investigations of which he had been a critical part. Brockenbrough briefly addressed the attendees and thanked his police mentors, as well as cited the professionalism of the current chief, Lewis Plogger, for assisting him up the ranks. For his part, Plogger’s praise extended to the suggestion that the department really wasn’t done with Brockenbrough: he maintained that the lieutenant’s service and knowledge would be called upon from time and time and asked “Jackie” not to become a stranger. Brockenbrough served under Plogger’s leadership for the past 17 years. The Weekly recorded the event live on videotape and that tape (soon, along with others) will soon become available on its website and that of eyeonvirginia.com, the newspaper’s video news website. (Thus, readers may listen to the sincerity of the tributes to Jackie for themselves). Buena Vista Mayor Todd Jones presented Brockenbrough with a gift from the city, noting the difficulty of the job performed for so many years. And many other personal tributes were given to Jackie as many of the attendees formed a line to speak with him personally, recalling former good times and events. Of the tributes made to him, the following is a brief poem composed by his former English teacher, Betty Teague: ODE TO JACKIE Oh! No! Jackie Brockenbrough, You can’t retire! Your positive attributes, a new COP will certainly require Your faithfulness to your sons and to Buena Vista for years, Answering so many different calls, but rarely expressing your fears. I credit your parents, Jack and JoAnn for teaching you the basics for life and all, And in turn, you’ve taught Jason, Jeremiah and Boone respect to “get up” if they fall. I’ve watched you progress in your career: PROTECTION OF LIFE; I’ve observed your reactions with your own personal strife. Jackie, I congratulate you on a difficult job well done. Now, relax and enjoy your precious little Grandson. With love and warm wishes, Betty Teague, “Your 11th grade English teacher at PMHS, July 27, 2007” * * * The Weekly was able to catch up to several BV police officers to gain more insight into the kind of person Brockenbrough is and how he affected the department’s operations. Capt. A. J. Panebianco said that, “One word would describe him: ‘professional.’ he was a good mentor for all of the group here, including me. He grew up here and came up through the ranks here. He’s been very reliable and has been a great investigator. His leaving will create a void that will be hard to fill.” Lt. Darrell Slagle: “My very first day on the job in 1993 was spent with Jackie. He is a super nice guy and the department couldn’t have asked for a more dedicated police officer. I can’t say enough about him; he taught me so much. He’s been my ‘go to guy’ for many personal and professional issues.” Avis Coffey (department secretary): “We’ll miss him a lot. He and I share a love for Roy Orbison music and we’ll miss Jackie’s singing.” Officer Richard Dudley: “He’s one of the better supervisors to come out of this department. He knows how to lead and take charge when he needed to take charge.” Investigator Randy Chittum: “You just can’t replace 25 years of experience like his.” Officer Mitchell Harrison: “Jackie had both experience and backbone. He’ll be difficult to replace.” One of the many who joined the long line of guests to express more personal reflections was current chief Lewis Plogger. Plogger grasped Brockenbrough’s hands and sincerely thanked him for decades of professional service, duly received by a then somewhat misty-eyed employee. * * * BV Police Lt. Darrell Slagle (left) bids an emotional goodbye to Jackie Brockenbrough, his police mentor and shift partner for years. A big crowd turned out for a nice reception. (J. E. Clark photo) Buena Vista Sheriff Randy Hamilton (left) congratulates retiring Lt. Jackie Brockbrough for a job well done and wished him well in the future. A crowd gathered to celebrate a man who’s spent the last 25 years with the department. Brockenbrough may end up working just as hard later however: building houses with a relative. (J. E. Clark photo) Buena Vista Police Chief Lewis Plogger (left) shakes the hand of retiring police Lt. Jackie Brockenbrough at a brief plaque ceremony held Friday, July 27th. More than 50 guests, friends and relatives turned out to honor the longtime Buena Vista policeman whose last day was Tuesday, July 31. (J. E. Clark photo)

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