Washington, D.C. — The Metro Transit Police Department and the entire Washington region are in mourning today following the tragic and untimely passing of Sgt. Beverly “Bev” Rodriguez, a beloved officer and tireless advocate for the city’s most vulnerable. Her death has sent shockwaves through the department and the wider community she served with extraordinary grace, strength, and selflessness.
Sgt. Rodriguez, a veteran officer and leader of the MTPD’s Homeless Action Team, died unexpectedly this week, leaving behind a legacy defined by empathy, integrity, and unwavering service. She was 44.
To those who knew her, Sgt. Rodriguez was more than a badge—she was a beacon. In her years of service, she became a lifeline for countless individuals experiencing homelessness, connecting them with resources, shelter, and above all, dignity.
“She didn’t just enforce the law—she enforced compassion,” said Deputy Chief Anthony Greer, visibly emotional as he remembered the colleague he considered family. “She reminded us all that policing isn’t just about protection—it’s about humanity.”
Born and raised in Silver Spring, Maryland, Rodriguez joined the force straight out of college, driven by a calling to help those often ignored by society. From the beginning, her compassion stood out. It wasn’t unusual to see her kneeling beside someone in distress, offering a bottle of water and a listening ear—sometimes long before backup even arrived.
Her work with the Homeless Action Team became her life’s mission. She refused to see people as problems to be solved. Instead, she saw them as stories yet to be heard—people worthy of hope.
Sgt. Rodriguez is remembered by fellow officers as calm under pressure and fierce in her advocacy. “She taught us that strength can look like a soft voice in a hard world,” one colleague said.
Beyond her uniform, she was a mentor, a friend, and a guiding light to many younger officers. Her humility was quiet but powerful; her acts of kindness were rarely publicized but deeply felt.
Community members have begun leaving flowers and handwritten notes at the Metro Transit Police headquarters. One reads, “You saw me when no one else did. Thank you, Sgt. Rodriguez.”
She is survived by her parents, two younger siblings, and her rescue dog, Luna, whom she adopted during the pandemic and frequently brought to outreach events.
As the department lowers its flags in mourning, the community Sgt. Rodriguez fought for mourns the absence of a heart that beat for justice.
A public memorial will be held later this week, where loved ones, colleagues, and community members will gather to celebrate the life of a woman who gave everything she had—and then gave some more.
Rest in power, Sgt. Beverly “Bev” Rodriguez. You made the world a gentler place. You will never be forgotten.
