The Plano Police Department recently celebrated the career of Virginia Whiteside, who retired after more than two decades of committed service. Whiteside has been a fixture in the department since 2001. Attendees of the retirement ceremony on November 28 witnessed the department pay homage to an individual who has served in various capacities; her influence and dedication left a lasting impact, according to Plano Texas Police Department.
Whiteside's career began with a stint in the United States Army, where she committed three years to active duty and an additional year in the Army Reserves. Her path took her to the Dallas County Constable’s Office before joining the Plano Police in October 2001 as a Police Records Assistant. Over the years, her exceptional work led to a promotion to Senior Administrative Assistant in 2019. However, the longevity of her service isn't the only hallmark of her career.
It's the distinction she's earned through multiple honors that speaks volumes. Virginia received the “Civilian Employee of the Year” accolade in 2007 and was named the City of Plano’s Employee of the Year in 2013, just to name a few.
More than a record-keeper or an assistant, Virginia was deeply engaged with her community through longstanding volunteer efforts. She has played integral roles in programs such as Christmas Cops and UNIDOS, stretching beyond the call of duty to bring about change and unity. Seventeen years of coordination for the UNIDOS program and esteemed participation in the Christmas Cops program reflect a commitment not merely to her job but to the Plano community itself.
Virginia's leadership was also felt in the Texas Law Enforcement Records Association where she served as Vice President and President over 14 years. Her notable achievement in the association was expanding its reach from a mere North Texas presence to encompass the entire state. Such expansion signifies not just administrative success, but a gathering of various voices under a unifying goal for broader community service.
With retirement, Whiteside shifts her service from the public sphere to the personal, turning to family history and its preservation for future generations. This next chapter involves time spent with her parents and ensuring her children and grandchildren have a tangible connection to their roots. "Virginia, thank you for your many years of dedicated service to the City of Plano and Plano Police Department. We wish you and your family well in all your future endeavors", per Plano Texas Police Department.
