Lieutenant Janice Ann McTernan Blue Friday Honor

Jan McTernan was one of a kind. An amazingly strong, smart, and insightful woman who accomplished great things but never spoke of herself. At a time when it was a rarity to see a woman in the military or in law enforcement, Jan did both.

Jan served proudly as a member of the United States Marine Corps and never lost her military bearing. She stood ramrod straight at all times and was always someone who commanded respect. She channeled her dedication to service in to a remarkable career as a police officer with the City of Richmond.

Jan entered in to service with the Richmond Police Department on April 2, 1984 and served with distinction until her retirement on February 1, 2010. During this time, Jan served as a patrol officer, detective, sergeant, and finally lieutenant. During her 26 year long career, she was assigned to a wide variety of the RPD’s divisions including Patrol, Homicide, and Major Crimes.

On her door, Jan hung a sign which read:

“To err is human - To forgive is divine - Neither is Marine Corps Policy”

and Jan demanded the best from the officers under her command at all times, but each of those officers will tell you that no supervisor ever stood with their men and women like Jan McTernan. She was a cop’s cop, who took the time to care for her fellow officers as well cultivate and grow a new generation of law enforcement leaders.

When Jan died unexpectedly in July 2019, it was decided to rename the long running “Blue Friday Program” as the “Lieutenant Jan McTernan Blue Friday Honor” to pay tribute to this incredible woman.

Jan and her husband, Rich, were proceeded in death by their beloved son, Thomas. Jan’s loving husband died just a few days before she did. The McTernan legacy of care and service lives on through their sons Michael and Richard, along with their grandchildren, Dylan, Kyle, and Peyton.

Lt. Jan McTernan Blue Friday Honorees

 Katz’S Coffee With Cops

 Jeff has made it a point to give back to local Law Enforcement officers by delivering coffee and donuts, “energy juice and power rings,” to agencies all over Central Virginia.