Vernelle Smalls-Cardona Obituary, BOSTON, Mass. — Vernelle Smalls-Cardona, a longtime member of the Boston Police Department, passed away on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, while still actively serving as Executive Secretary to the department’s Family Justice Division.
Smalls-Cardona began her career with the Boston Police Department on September 11, 2000, when she joined the Information Systems Group as a Police Clerk. Over the years, her dedication and hard work led to greater responsibilities within the department and established her as a dependable member of the organization.
In 2006, she became Head Clerk of the Domestic Violence Unit, taking on an important administrative role within the department. Her career continued to progress, and in 2013, she was appointed Executive Secretary for the Family Justice Division, a position she continued to hold until her passing.
In 2025, Smalls-Cardona was honored for completing 25 years of dedicated service to the Boston Police Department. The recognition reflected more than two decades of commitment to her work and the people she served alongside.
According to the department, commanders, supervisors, and colleagues could consistently depend on Smalls-Cardona. Beyond her professional responsibilities, she was remembered as a warm and caring woman who developed lasting friendships with many of those around her.
Her death has left a profound sense of loss across the Boston Police Department. Colleagues are mourning the absence of a respected coworker and treasured friend whose presence had become an important part of the department over more than 25 years.
Smalls-Cardona’s legacy will be remembered through the dedication she gave to the Boston Police Department, the relationships she built, and the kindness she shared with those around her. As the department and her colleagues mourn her passing, her years of service and the impact she made will not be forgotten. Condolences are extended to all who knew and worked alongside Vernelle Smalls-Cardona during her distinguished career.
