Sunday, April 10, 2011

Louise H. Vasquez, IAWP life member passes away.

It is with my deepest sympathy and regret to notify you all of the passing of a great trailblazer and life member of IAWP, Louise H. Vasquez (1935-2011). Retired Police Detective Louise H. Vasquez passed way on Tuesday, April 5, 2011 in Vero Beach, Florida. She was 75 years of age. She joined the Miami Police Department on May 2, 1966, as a member of BLE Class #59. Detective Vasquez retired from the department on January 25, 1988, after more than 25 years of dedicated service. Detective Vasquez entered the Miami Police Department at a time when few women were in law enforcement. She started her career as a "point control" officer directing traffic in downtown Miami, worked as an undercover decoy officer and later distinguished herself as an outstanding homicide investigator. During her years of honorable service to the Miami Police Department she was the recipient of numerous prestigious awards including International Police Woman of the year, Miami's most outstanding officer of the month (three times) and the National Officer of the month in 1978 for her record in solving murders. Louise was instrumental increating new criminal laws in Florida and she lectured on crime to Miami Civic and Professional Groups. She also servided in a advisory capacity to the Florida Mental Health Institute among the numerous activities she participated in. Survivors include her children, Lee Weirick, Peggy Cardell, Becky Diaz, Chris Vasquez Sr., Joey Vasquez, Catherine Vasquez, Eddie Vasquez and Maria Frye; 17 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by husbands, Clyde Weirick and Evelio Vasquez and one grandchild. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 3375 20th Street Vero Beach, FL. 32960. Funeral arrangements made by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home and Crematory in Vero Beach. A guestbook is available at http://www.lowtherfurneralhome.com/. Condolences may be sent to the Vasquez family at 600 49th Avenue, Vero Beach, FL. 32968.

Lt. Carol Scruggs (end of shift 6/25/2010)

Lt. Carol Scruggs (end of shift 6/25/2010)
Marshall County Sheriff's Department