[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 57 (Wednesday, April 21, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E610]
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 21, 2010

  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, and 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. 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:


         OPPORTUNITIES, ALTERNATIVES, and RESOURCES--DON EHRETH

  Don Ehreth became an active OAR volunteer in March of 2009. At the 
Family Outreach desk, Don lends a compassionate ear to the concerns of 
the families and friends affected by incarceration. While others are 
relaxing on a weekend, Don educates and provides information about the 
incarceration process and OAR services.


                  CHAPLAIN'S OFFICE--GLORIA RODRIGUEZ

  Gloria has been a volunteer since January of 2009, teaching Bible 
studies, mentoring inmates, distributing Bibles and helping with 
administrative work. She is very committed, friendly and dedicated both 
to God and to the work of the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center.


                         EDUCATION--BILL RICHEY

  Bill is the Education Program's Spanish GED instructor. His classes 
consist of Hispanic inmates who are ready to take the GED test. Because 
of Bill's efforts these individuals have the the opportunity to 
complete the education that they were unable to complete before.


                 ALCOHOL AND DRUG SERVICES--JOHN DAVIS

  For over two years now, John has brought weekly AA meetings to more 
than 40 inmates participate in the Integrated Addiction Program (IAP), 
a therapeutic community treatment model for substance users. John is 
very passionate about helping these inmates, and thanks to his service 
we can help to address the scourge of substance abuse.
  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 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 of these individuals and all of the volunteers who 
support 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.

                          ____________________