[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 59 (Wednesday, April 22, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E940-E941]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE VOLUNTEERS SERVING WITH THE FAIRFAX COUNTY SHERIFF'S 
                                 OFFICE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 22, 2009

  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
the volunteers who assist the Fairfax County Sheriff's Office. These 
volunteers work with deputies and civilian staff to help inmates to 
improve their lives during incarceration and to prepare them for a 
successful transition back into the community.
  With more than 500 deputies, the Fairfax County Sheriff's Office is 
the largest Sheriff's office in Virginia and among the largest in the 
country. These deputies perform invaluable services for Fairfax County 
residents to include providing court security, managing the detention 
center, serving the civil law process. Volunteers with the Sheriff's 
Office help provide inmate programs and services at the Adult Detention 
Center (ADC) and Pre-Release Center, including mental health 
counseling, religious services, alcohol and drug support groups, health 
education, library services and job training.
  Volunteers complete a Sheriff's Office training program and also work 
closely with staff to ensure that best practices are followed. A recent 
study completed at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center showed the 
significant impact that detention center rehabilitation programs can 
provide. The efforts of these volunteers improve the lives of those 
incarcerated, reduce recidivism, and make our communities safer.
  Each year, the Sheriff's Office hosts a luncheon to thank all of the 
dedicated individuals who help make the volunteer program a success. 
The office also recognizes one individual in each service area and it 
is my honor to recognize these extraordinary citizens:
  EDUCATION
  Bill Richey shows tremendous dedication as he works to help Hispanic 
inmates improve their literacy level and enable them to take better 
advantage of the educational resources provided to inmates. He works 
very hard to ensure that these inmates achieve some measure of 
education to provide a much needed tool on their pathways to success.
  ALCOHOL AND DRUG SERVICES
  Noah Freeman recognized the need to provide more substance abuse 
services and helped to coordinate with Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) to 
provide greater resources and assistance to those in need. A testament 
to his impact is witnessed daily as individuals he assisted share the 
message and practices of AA with their fellow inmates.
  CHAPLAIN'S OFFICE
  Celine Baker serves as the volunteer female chaplaincy coordinator. 
She has worked tirelessly to launch new services, develop a consistent 
ministry strategy for female inmates, coordinate one-on-one ministry 
for female inmates, and provide counsel and advice to volunteers, 
staff, and the chaplains. Celine often dedicates in excess of 25 
volunteer hours per week and consistently exemplifies the character and 
integrity of the chaplaincy office.
  OPPORTUNITIES, ALTERNATIVES, and RESOURCES
  Ben Perchik began to volunteer at the Adult Detention Center with the 
goal of ``generating good.'' He has succeeded in this effort and has 
even received letters from several past students naming Ben as the 
person who most positively affected their lives. Since beginning to 
volunteer with OAR in 2004, he has consistently undertaken more 
responsibility and currently serves a facilitator for two classes--Life 
Skills and Fatherhood.
  SHERIFF'S OFFICE
  Norma ``Timmie'' Edwards has served as a volunteer at the Adult 
Detention Center longer than some employees have worked there. In fact, 
the Sheriff's Office volunteer program does not know how long it has 
been and she cannot remember! Ms. Timmie's commitment to serve the 
inmates at the Adult Detention Center is impressive for its longevity 
and her passion. As she reluctantly ends her time volunteering at the 
Adult Detention Center, there is no doubt about the inspiration she has 
provided for inmates, volunteers, and staff.
  The outstanding efforts of the above-mentioned individuals are 
particularly noteworthy but one must acknowledge the nearly 300 
volunteers who have contributed their time and support to the Sheriff's 
Office during the past year. These volunteers provide services that 
help to place inmates on a path to success. They offer their time that 
could be spent elsewhere to provide encouragement and support

[[Page E941]]

that will improve lives during incarceration and provide for a 
successful transition to help get inmates back on their feet. The 
efforts of each and every one of these volunteers is worthy of our 
praise
  The staff of Fairfax County Sheriff Stan Barry should be commended 
for their critical role in administering the volunteer program. The 
efforts of these staffers maximize the contributions of volunteers in 
the most effective way and provide the support that makes this program 
a success.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the 
contributions these individuals and all of the volunteers supporting 
the Fairfax County Sheriff's Office. The selfless commitment of these 
individuals helps to provide enumerable benefits to Northern Virginia 
and life-changing services to the inmates being served.

                          ____________________