WHEREAS, Edwin C. Roessler, Jr., will retire as chief of the Fairfax County Police Department in February 2021, after three decades of service to the community; and

WHEREAS, Edwin Roessler joined the Fairfax County Police Department in 1989 and rose through the ranks, holding numerous assignments, before becoming interim chief in early 2013; he was officially appointed as chief in July of that year; and

WHEREAS, Edwin Roessler prioritized mental health within the department and worked to address wellness throughout the community, forming the Chief's Diversity Council and the Communities of Trust Committee to increase public support and build mutual respect between officers and community leaders; and

WHEREAS, Edwin Roessler guided the department through a review of use-of-force, de-escalation, and crisis intervention policies; he also implemented a body-worn camera program and established a civilian review panel and an independent police auditor; and

WHEREAS, throughout his career, Edwin Roessler built strong relationships with law-enforcement officers around the world through national and international professional organizations, and he helped the Fairfax County Police Department to achieve and maintain state and national accreditation; and

WHEREAS, a visionary leader, Edwin Roessler reorganized several investigative bureaus to address cybercrime trends and take advantage of technology to better serve the community; he also partnered with other agencies to open a new station suited for the unique challenges of serving rapidly urbanizing areas; and

WHEREAS, through his dedication to increasing transparency and community trust, Edwin Roessler strove to make the Fairfax County Police Department a model for the next generation of policing in the Commonwealth and the United States; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Edwin C. Roessler, Jr., on the occasion of his retirement as chief of the Fairfax County Police Department; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Edwin C. Roessler, Jr., as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for his achievements on behalf of the Fairfax community.