Fairfax County Police Department, Virginia
End of Watch Wednesday, July 27, 1977
Add to My HeroesKaren Jean Bassford
Police Officer Karen Bassford was killed in an automobile crash on Gallows Road, near Merry Oaks Lane, while responding to a burglary call shortly after midnight.
As she was coming around a curve, her vehicle spun out of control and struck a utility pole. Officer Bassford was thrown from the vehicle. She was transported to Fairfax Hospital where she was pronounced dead.
Officer Bassford had served with the Fairfax County Police Department for one year and was assigned to the McLean Substation. She had previously served with the Arlington County Sheriff's Office for two years. She was survived by her parents.
Bio
- Age 30
- Tour 3 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Automobile crash
Most Recent Reflection
View all 34 ReflectionsGOD Bless You. We Remember
MDS. Rich Reeves (Retired) Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office
July 27, 2025
Recent LODD Deaths
Corporal Timothy J. O'Connor, Jr.
Pennsylvania State Police, PA
EOW: March 8, 2026
Deputy Sheriff Kaleb Mitchell
Forsyth County Sheriff's Office, NC
EOW: March 7, 2026
Master Trooper Steven J. Perry
North Carolina Highway Patrol, NC
EOW: March 1, 2026
Conservation Enforcement Officer Senior Shawn Nixon
Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources - Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, AL
EOW: November 23, 2025
Corporal David M. Hathcock
Montgomery Police Department, AL
EOW: February 22, 2026
Correctional Officer Dustin Pedigo
Tennessee Department of Correction, TN
EOW: February 25, 2026
Deputy Sheriff Michael Hislope
Christian County Sheriff's Office, MO
EOW: February 24, 2026
Deputy Sheriff Gabriel Ramirez
Christian County Sheriff's Office, MO
EOW: February 23, 2026
Deputy Sheriff Kenneth Lewis
Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: February 23, 2026



