[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 43 (Wednesday, March 11, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E628]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE CAMELOT NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH PROGRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 11, 2009

  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
Camelot Neighborhood Watch Program (CNWP) of Fairfax County, Virginia.
  In the 30 years since its inception, the CNWP has achieved great 
success, helping lower the general crime rate in its community. As the 
former Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, I can 
personally attest to the program's accomplishments.
  The CNWP boasts the largest number of volunteers in Northern 
Virginia. These volunteers have committed themselves to informing local 
police of suspicious activities. While it is financially and 
logistically impossible to place a police officer on every street 
corner, the CNWP has provided Fairfax County with an effective 
alternative. CNWP volunteers have become the eyes and ears of local 
police, deterring crime and saving taxpayers millions of dollars.
  Those who take the time to cast a watchful eye on their surroundings 
ensure a safer, friendlier place to live. Through committed 
neighborhood watch, CNWP participants have proven that community 
involvement can make a difference.
  It is important to note that CNWP has embraced neighborhood 
diversity. Participants have bridged culture and language gaps in the 
name of collective security. By recognizing shared community values, 
the CNWP has facilitated improved understanding and relations between 
individuals from a variety of backgrounds.
  One of the greatest assets of the CNWP is its ability to bring 
neighbors together. In that spirit I am proud to recognize Mr. Paul 
Cevey, CNWP founder and Coordinator for the first 12 years; Mr. Dave 
Shonerd, his successor who for the next 11 years continued to mold the 
program into the great success it is today; and Mr. Frank Vajda who 
continues the great CNWP tradition.
  Years of CNWP success have merited several notable accolades. The 
Fairfax County Mason District Police Department has recognized the CNWP 
as one of the most effective crime reduction units in the county. The 
Virginia Crime Prevention Association has recognized the CNWP as the 
Best Neighborhood Watch in Virginia.
  The CNWP is the oldest, continuously active Neighborhood Watch Group 
in the United States. This highly accomplished neighborhood program 
serves as an impressive model for other organizations across the 
nation.
  Madam Speaker, in closing, I would like to thank the Camelot 
Neighborhood Watch Program for 30 years of dedicated service to its 
community. Programs like the CNWP are vital in our efforts to combat 
crime. I call upon my colleagues to join me in applauding the CNWP's 
past accomplishments and in wishing the program continued success in 
the many years to come.

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