[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 65 (Thursday, May 12, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E876]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF THE 2011 FAIRFAX COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE VOLUNTEERS 
                              OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 12, 2011

  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the volunteers 
who assist the Fairfax County Sherriff'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 which 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. 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. It 
is my pleasure to recognize the honorees in each service area:
  Alcohol and Drug Services--Nate Trager
  OAR--Opportunities, Alternatives, and Resources--Linda Rule
  Chaplain's Office--Norman J. Bacon
  Education--Bill Richey
  The efforts of these individuals are particularly noteworthy, but I 
also want to 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 are commendable and deserve our praise.
  Sheriff Stan Barry and the staff of the Fairfax County Sheriff's 
Office 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.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing 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 our community 
and life-changing services to the inmates they serve.

                          ____________________