Jayne Elizabeth Thomas Rich

RICH, JAYNE ELIZABETH THOMAS, 80 - of Rio Grande, died on November 24, 2007. Born September 19, 1927 in Washington D.C. to Charles M. and Lelia Thomas. Jayne Rich's life has been hallmarked by an extensive lists of "firsts. Her career in law enforcement began in 1953 with the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C. - culminating with her appointment as the first woman Chief of Police in New Jersey. Mrs. Rich retired from law enforcement and began teaching at Atlantic Cape Community College in 1986. Amongst her many accolades are: Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by the combined Treasury Agencies (Customs, ATF and Secret Service); Humanitarian Award from Mt. Hope Baptist Church for service to community; Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by the National Center for Women and Policing; the Alice Stokes Paul Award, presented by the Cape May County Advisory Commission on the Status of Women; Law Award, Bronze Shields (Newark); Who's Who of American Woman, 1983; the World Who's Who of Women, 1984; Foremost Women of the Twentieth Century, 1988; Law Award, NAACP Woman's Conference; "Black Pioneer in New Jersey", Delta Sigma Theta Sorority (Newark); "Distinguished Service to the Community", Iota Phi Lambda Society (Washington, D.C.) and ""Woman of Distinction", Atlantic City Press. She was also a life member of the International Association of Women Police. Jayne Rich's love for travel, fine dining and intelligent conversation was surpassed only by her love of family and her faith. She is survived by her son, John W. Rich, IV of Key West, Florida, his wife Ann and grandchildren Christopher, John, Phillip and Danny. A memorial service will be held on 1:00 p.m. Friday, November 30, 2007 at the First Presbyterian Church, 5411 Pacific Ave., Wildwood. Funeral will be held at McGuire Funeral Service, Inc., 7400 Georgia Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C.; at 1:00 p.m. Saturday December 1, 2007. Local Arrangements by Evoy Funeral Home.