[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 67 (Friday, April 29, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E636]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING CURRENT AND FORMER PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY POLICE OFFICERS 
                WHO ASSISTED AND SUPPORTED THE LOSS TEAM

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 29, 2016

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend the Prince William 
County Police Department for its invaluable participation in the Local 
Outreach to Suicide Survivors (or LOSS) team. On January 27, 2012, 
Action in Community Through Service (or ACTS) of Prince William, Inc. 
signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Prince William County Police 
Department to collaborate on the creation of a LOSS team.
  The team is comprised of trained volunteers and staff who are 
accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the ACTS Helpline. 
Since entering into the formal agreement with ACTS, members of the 
Prince William County Police Department have diligently supported this 
program by immediately contacting the LOSS team upon notification of 
deaths by suicide to the Criminal Investigations Division--Violent 
Crimes Bureau. The LOSS team then disseminates information about 
available community resources and provides ongoing support to people 
grieving the loss of a friend or loved one to suicide.
  Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States for 
all ages; homicide ranks 17th. For every suicide, at least, six other 
lives are impacted. By ensuring survivors receive the support that is 
desperately needed, the LOSS team in partnership with the Prince 
William County Police Department helps individuals weather their grief 
and take steps to rebuilding their lives. Just knowing that they are 
not alone helps give the surviving families the strength to go on. 
Without the dedication and leadership of the Prince William County 
Police Department, the LOSS team would not be able to sustain its 
successful first response program that continues to positively impact 
the lives of Prince William County residents each day.
  It is my honor to submit the following names of current and former 
Prince William County Police Officers who have assisted and supported 
the LOSS program: Dan Carton, Brian Cavanaugh, Brian Coady, Darien 
Cupka, Dan Downey, Mike Fernald, Ben Grantham, Ray Hyatt, Rob Kasper, 
Joe Medawar, Juan Pena (deceased), Gina Pinedo, Astrid Robinson, 
Caillen Smith, Mike Sullivan, and Gary Van Dyke.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing these 
Prince William County police officers for their tireless commitment to 
our community, the newly bereaved, ACTS, and the Prince William LOSS 
team.

                          ____________________