[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 23414]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE FAIRFAX COUNTY NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH PROGRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 7, 2004

  Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
Neighborhood Watch Program of Fairfax County, Virginia.
  In the 25 years since its inception, the Fairfax County Neighborhood 
Watch Program has achieved great success, with over 900 community 
programs established since its inception. As former Chairman of the 
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, I can personally attest to the 
program's accomplishment.
  The Fairfax County Neighborhood Watch boasts countless volunteers who 
have selflessly committed themselves to informing local police of 
suspicious activities. While it is financially and logistically 
impossible to place a police officer on every street corner, the 
neighborhood watch has provided Fairfax County with an effective 
alternative. Neighborhood watch volunteers have become the eyes and 
ears of local police, deterring crime and saving taxpayers millions of 
dollars.
  Those who take the time to cast a watchful eye on their surroundings 
ensure a safer, friendlier place to live. Through committed 
neighborhood watches, these participants have proven that community 
involvement can make a difference.
  Fairfax County Neighborhood Watch participants have bridged culture 
and language gaps in the name of collective security. By recognizing 
shared community values, Fairfax County Neighborhood Watch has 
facilitated improved understanding and relations between individuals 
from a variety of backgrounds. One of the greatest assets of 
neighborhood watch is its ability to bring neighbors together.
  One of the most active branches of the Fairfax County Neighborhood 
Watch is the Camelot Neighborhood Watch Program, which is the oldest 
continuously active neighborhood watch in the United States. This 
highly accomplished program serves as an impressive model for other 
organizations across the county and nation.
  Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to thank the Fairfax County 
Neighborhood Watch Program for 25 years of dedicated service to its 
community. Programs like neighborhood watch are vital in our efforts to 
combat crime. I call upon my colleagues to join me in applauding the 
Fairfax County Neighborhood Watch's past accomplishments and in wishing 
the program continued success in the many years to come.

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