[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 67 (Tuesday, May 6, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E684-E685]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             RECOGNIZING THE CAMELOT COMMUNITY PATROL (NWP)

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 6, 2014

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Camelot Community 
Patrol Neighborhood Watch Program, CNWP, of Fairfax County, Virginia, 
and join the community in celebrating the Watch's 35th anniversary.
  Neighborhood Watch is one of the oldest and best-known crime 
prevention efforts in North America. In the late 1960s, an increase in 
crime heightened the need for a prevention initiative focused on 
residential areas and involving local citizens. The National Sheriffs' 
Association, NSA, responded, creating the National Neighborhood Watch 
Program in 1972 to assist citizens and law enforcement.
  In the aftermath of September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, 
strengthening and securing communities became more critical than ever.

[[Page E685]]

Neighborhood Watch programs have responded to the challenge, expanding 
beyond their traditional crime prevention role to help neighborhoods 
focus on disaster preparedness, emergency response, and terrorism 
awareness.
  While every Neighborhood Watch program in the country deserves our 
recognition and appreciation, the Camelot Neighborhood Watch Program 
stands out as one of the best in the Nation. The CNWP is the oldest, 
continuously active Neighborhood Watch in the United States. In the 35 
years since its inception, the CNWP has achieved great success, helping 
lower the general crime rate in its community. Boasting the largest 
number of volunteers in Northern Virginia, the CNWP is the ``eyes and 
ears'' of local law enforcement, informing the authorities of 
suspicious activities and giving their neighbors peace of mind.
  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 and does make a difference. In 2013, the CNWP 
volunteers conducted 599 patrols totaling 763 hours. There are 50 
active patrollers, each of whom volunteered an average of 64 hours per 
month.
  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, 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. In 
fact, Camelot is one of the most crime-free communities in Fairfax 
County and the CNWP deserves much of the credit. The Virginia Crime 
Prevention Association has also recognized the CNWP as the Best 
Neighborhood Watch in Virginia.
  Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to thank the Camelot 
Neighborhood Watch Program for 35 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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