Former VSP superintendent who served Virginia during 9/11 attacks dies
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Colonel W. Gerald Massengill, who served as Virginia State Police's superintendent during the 9/11 terrorist attacks and D.C. sniper incidents, has died. According to Virginia State Police, Massengill was appointed to the role of superintendent by former Virginia governor James Gilmore in June 2000. He served in that role for three years and was succeeded by Colonel W. Steven Flaherty in Oct. 2003. In total, Massengill was with Virginia State Police for 37 years. On Wednesday, Jan. 1, Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued a press release on Massengill's passing, within which he and First Lady Suzanne Youngkin shared their condolences. “Suzanne and I are deeply saddened by the passing of Colonel W. Gerald Massengill, a distinguished leader who dedicated his life to the safety and well-being of Virginians," the governor said in the release. "Colonel Massengill's steadfast leadership during pivotal moments in our Commonwealth's history, including the September 11th attacks and the D.C. sniper incidents, exemplified his unwavering commitment to public service." During his time as superintendent, Massengill oversaw Virginia State Police's response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Colonel W. Gerald Massengill, former VSP superintendent who served from 2000 to 2003. (Photo: Virginia State Police) Troopers Merlin Wimbish and Mike Middleton were among the numerous Virginia state troopers who responded in and around Arlington that day, with Middleton later being hospitalized for severe smoke inhalation after assisting at the Pentagon, according to the agency. Massengill was also the leader of Virginia State Police during the D.C. or "Beltway" sniper attacks -- two of which occurred in Virginia, according to the agency. On Oct. 19, 2002, 37-year-old Jeffrey Hopper was shot in the parking lot of the Ponderosa Restaurant in Ashland, making him one of the three critically injured victims of the widespread attacks across the Commonwealth, Washington, D.C. and Maryland. Of the ten killed in these attacks was 53-year-old Kenneth Bridges, who was fatally shot on Oct. 11, 2002 while pumping gas at an Exxon gas station in Spotsylvania County, near Fredericksburg. From the gubernatorial election to the General Assembly session: What will 2025 look like in Virginia politics? “We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who had the honor of serving alongside him," the governor said in the release. "His legacy of service and sacrifice will continue to inspire future generations. Colonel Massengill's contributions to public safety and his leadership during times of crisis have left a lasting impact on the Commonwealth of Virginia. His passing is a profound loss, and he will be remembered with the utmost respect and gratitude.” 8News reached out to Virginia State Police for more information on Massengill's passing and requested a statement on his legacy. A spokesperson for the agency said that a press release is currently being worked on as of the time of reporting. An update will be provided when possible.
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RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Colonel W. Gerald Massengill, who served as Virginia State Police's superintendent during the 9/11 terrorist attacks and D.C. sniper incidents, has died.
According to Virginia State Police, Massengill was appointed to the role of superintendent by former Virginia governor James Gilmore in June 2000. He served in that role for three years and was succeeded by Colonel W. Steven Flaherty in Oct. 2003. In total, Massengill was with Virginia State Police for 37 years.
On Wednesday, Jan. 1, Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued a press release on Massengill's passing, within which he and First Lady Suzanne Youngkin shared their condolences.
“Suzanne and I are deeply saddened by the passing of Colonel W. Gerald Massengill, a distinguished leader who dedicated his life to the safety and well-being of Virginians," the governor said in the release. "Colonel Massengill's steadfast leadership during pivotal moments in our Commonwealth's history, including the September 11th attacks and the D.C. sniper incidents, exemplified his unwavering commitment to public service."
During his time as superintendent, Massengill oversaw Virginia State Police's response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
Colonel W. Gerald Massengill, former VSP superintendent who served from 2000 to 2003. (Photo: Virginia State Police)
Troopers Merlin Wimbish and Mike Middleton were among the numerous Virginia state troopers who responded in and around Arlington that day, with Middleton later being hospitalized for severe smoke inhalation after assisting at the Pentagon, according to the agency.
Massengill was also the leader of Virginia State Police during the D.C. or "Beltway" sniper attacks -- two of which occurred in Virginia, according to the agency.
On Oct. 19, 2002, 37-year-old Jeffrey Hopper was shot in the parking lot of the Ponderosa Restaurant in Ashland, making him one of the three critically injured victims of the widespread attacks across the Commonwealth, Washington, D.C. and Maryland. Of the ten killed in these attacks was 53-year-old Kenneth Bridges, who was fatally shot on Oct. 11, 2002 while pumping gas at an Exxon gas station in Spotsylvania County, near Fredericksburg.
“We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who had the honor of serving alongside him," the governor said in the release. "His legacy of service and sacrifice will continue to inspire future generations. Colonel Massengill's contributions to public safety and his leadership during times of crisis have left a lasting impact on the Commonwealth of Virginia. His passing is a profound loss, and he will be remembered with the utmost respect and gratitude.”
8News reached out to Virginia State Police for more information on Massengill's passing and requested a statement on his legacy. A spokesperson for the agency said that a press release is currently being worked on as of the time of reporting. An update will be provided when possible.
