[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 123 (Friday, July 31, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1198]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE 
                               DEPARTMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 31, 2015

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 75th Anniversary 
of the Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) and to thank its 
officers and staff for their service to our community.
  The Department's roots actually date back to the 1920s when a small 
group of officers was assembled to handle the then perceived growing 
traffic problems in Fairfax County, which then had a population of 
about 22,000 people. By 1940, the county population had nearly doubled 
to 44,000. The need for an independent police force had become clear 
and a small department comprised of just 6 officers was established.
  Today, Fairfax County, with a population of about 1.2 million people, 
is the safest jurisdiction of its size in the United States. In fact, 
the total number of serious crimes against people and property 
committed in the county is actually lower today than it was in 1970 
when FCPD began tracking statistics even though the population has more 
than doubled since then. Remarkably, FCPD has achieved this level of 
safety with the lowest officer-to-community-member ratio for a 
jurisdiction of its size and has lost only six officers in the line of 
duty in 75 years.
  FCPD accomplishes this success through strong relationships with the 
community, other county agencies, and its counterparts in other 
jurisdictions. I enjoyed a strong relationship with the department 
during my 14 years on the Board of Supervisors, particularly during my 
five years as chairman, and that partnership continues with my service 
in the U.S. Congress.
  Community engagement is a particularly high priority for FCPD. 
Officers are visible in our schools and mentor our youth. They meet 
with local business owners and coordinate with neighborhood watch 
programs. They meet with local minority communities and faith groups to 
foster better understanding and cooperation. Moreover, the Chief's 
Council on Diversity Recruitment strives to ensure that the diversity 
of the force reflects that of the community.
  Almost every year since 1995, I have ridden alongside the Chief or 
another police officer to National Night Out events throughout Fairfax 
County and it is inspiring to see the depth of community support for 
our law enforcement officers. This is a tribute to the level of passion 
and commitment displayed by the Department to their mission and our 
residents.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the 
Fairfax County Police Department on its 75th anniversary and in 
thanking the men and women of the Fairfax County Police Department who 
have made Fairfax County the safest jurisdiction of its size in the 
United States. This accomplishment certainly contributes to the County 
being rated as one of the best communities in the nation in which to 
live, work, and raise a family.

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