Bill Text: VA HJR285 | 2024 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commending Mary Gavin.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2024-03-06 - Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ285ER) [HJR285 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2024-HJR285-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, Mary Gavin, a distinguished law-enforcement officer and chief of the City of Falls Church Police Department for the past 11 years, retired on January 6, 2024; and
WHEREAS, for the first 22 years of her illustrious career in law enforcement, Mary Gavin served with the Arlington County Police Department, where she retired as captain after having worked as a patrol officer, school resource officer, and commander of patrol districts and the vice and narcotics division; and
WHEREAS, Mary Gavin developed her skills as a law-enforcement officer by earning a master's degree in homeland security from Eastern Kentucky University and by participating in several prestigious law-enforcement educational programs; and
WHEREAS, Mary Gavin joined the Falls Church Police Department as a major in 2007 and served as deputy chief of police before being appointed chief of police in 2012; and
WHEREAS, under Mary Gavin, the Falls Church Police Department adopted the community policing principles outlined by President Barack Obama's task force on 21st century policing; and
WHEREAS, during her tenure, Mary Gavin spearheaded a partnership with the Center for Youth and Family Advocacy, making the Falls Church Police Department the first local public safety agency to work with the organization to promote restorative justice practices and resources; and
WHEREAS, Mary Gavin's steadfast commitment to safety and transparency led the Falls Church Police Department to embrace new tactics and policies that enhanced the department's ability to protect and serve the community; and
WHEREAS, Mary Gavin has been a leader within various law-enforcement organizations, including as a member of the board of directors of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and as chair of both the executive board for the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy and the Northern Virginia Police Chiefs and Sheriffs Committee; and
WHEREAS, Mary Gavin has mentored future generations of law-enforcement professionals in her capacity as an adjunct professor at American University; and
WHEREAS, by demonstrating an unwavering dedication to the safety and well-being of the Arlington County and Falls Church communities over her career, Mary Gavin has earned the high esteem and respect of all Virginians; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Mary Gavin, chief of the Falls Church Police Department, for her service on the occasion of her retirement; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Mary Gavin as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for her contributions to the Commonwealth and best wishes for a happy and fulfilling retirement.
