Issue 105

Prince William County

Last Saturday, I attended the Prince William Polar Plunge (photo collage below) hosted by the Prince William County Police Department. The annual event supports the more than 23,000 Special Olympics Virginia athletes. Virtual in 2021, this year it was held at Leesylvania State Park in Woodbridge. There was a great turnout and the event raised over $85,000.

Nestled along the tidal shores of the historic Potomac River, Leesylvania is a historic, beautiful, and vibrant park. Native Americans lived on the land for thousands of years and it's listed in the National Register of Historic Landmarks. Comprised of 542 acres, it provides stunning views. There are many land and water activities, including hiking, picnicking, fishing and boating. Amenities include a universally accessible fishing pier, playground, boat launch and storage area, snack bar and store, visitor center and gift shop. There is also a 20-station fitness trail as well as canoe and kayak rentals.

The brisk, sun-filled morning showcased the park in all its splendor. It is one of the many jewels in Prince William County. I am very grateful I was able to finally visit and encourage all to do the same.

With a Digital Library Card, the PWPL Digital Library provides free access to thousands of online and digital resources including eBooks, audiobooks, newspapers, movies and premium websites. Additional resources include learning a new language, live assistance to help you get a new job, and Consumer Reports' product reviews. Check out the video to learn more!

Led by Acting Director Joan (Joannie) Duckett, the Office of Housing and Community Development is committed to developing affordable housing opportunities and neighborhood resources for low and moderate-income residents by implementing appropriate policies and programs, which provide a safe and healthy environment in which to work and play.

The office provides a wealth of valuable services to the PWC community. It offers assistance through the Family Self-Sufficiency, First Time Home Buyers, Neighborhood Rehabilitation, and Transitional Housing programs. Housing resources include Fair Housing & Non Discrimination information, foreclosure prevention options, a community resource list, and online access to a wide variety of important forms. During the COVID-19 pandemic, additional programs available to residents include tenants' rights, emergency housing, and rent relief.

PWC’s Fire and Rescue System is comprised of the Department of Fire and Rescue, led by Chief Timothy L. Keen, and eight volunteer fire and rescue departments. Collectively, they work together (see County Kudos below!) to serve the County in 22 stations. The department currently consists of 722 members, a combination of civilian and uniformed personnel.

The Department of Public Safety Communications is the cornerstone of the County's comprehensive public safety response system (issue 102). The Community Safety Section's responsibilities include reducing the community's risk to fire loss, fire inspections, fire protection plans review and system testing, and fire and arson investigation. Community Relations, a division under the Community Safety Section, provides fire prevention, safety programs, and information to the public. The Public Safety Training Center trains career and volunteer firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics in one of the most progressive combination fire departments in the country. It handles basic, advanced, and EMS training. Other areas of interest include CPR, administration, and leadership development. The Systems Support Section manages department programs and activities from “behind the scenes.”

Friday, February 11, Pfizer and BioNTech announced they were delaying their request for the FDA to extend Emergency Use Authorization of their Covid-19 vaccine for children under 5 until early April, while waiting on more data on the effectiveness of a third dose. Subsequently, the FDA announced it has postponed its advisory committee meeting.

Did you know you can post a written comment on the agenda? Simply follow this link to the interactive agenda, click on 'comment' button to the right of the item and type in your comment. View the video for a demonstration.

The BOCS provides an opportunity for any faith leader to offer an invocation prior to the start of Board meetings. Learn more and how to submit your interest here.

A Washington D.C. native, Major Chisley-Missouri began her career as a patrol officer in 1990 with the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police Department. Promoted in 1998, she went on to serve in various assignments including the Disciplinary Review Division, Office of Human Resources, and direct support of then-chief Charles Ramsey. Major Chisley-Missouri was promoted to captain in 2007 and later became Deputy Director of the Youth Investigations in the Internal Affairs Division.

At the rank of commander, she returned to patrol and earned the 2011 Crime Reduction Award and in 2012 was named Commander of the Year. In 2014 she was promoted to assistant chief and oversaw the Corporate Support Bureau. The following year, she commanded the Internal Affairs Bureau before retiring in 2018. Major Chisley-Missouri attended Howard University and completed the Certified Public Manager Program at George Washington University.

Thursday, March 3, at 6:00 pm, is the Planning Office's in-person community meeting on the Data Center Overlay Comprehensive Review at the Gainesville High School Auditorium (issue104). Pre-registration to speak in person is not required. Virtual public comment will not be available.

The call started as a routine EMS call, with only a basic and an advanced life support unit. Their experience allowed these crews to recognize the circumstances warranted further efforts and they took action without hesitation. The members of both OWL VFD and PW DFR worked efficiently together as a team bringing this to a lifesaving conclusion. There is no question this multi-department team worked together efficiently and quickly to go from a routine EMS call to saving three lives that would have perished if just a few more minutes delay occurred.