Woodbridge, Va. –– Fallen police officers will be remembered tonight in Woodbridge.
Prince William police will hold its annual memorial tribute to officers who have paid the ultimate price to serve and protect their communities.
Every 53 hours in the U.S. a police officer is killed in the line of duty somewhere in the U.S., on average, and that prompted President John F. Kennedy to declare National Peace Officer’s Memorial Day, observed annually as National Police Week.
This year, police will mark the remembrance between May 15 and 21.
“In 2010, 162 American law enforcement officers died striving to keep their communities safe. Sixty-one of these officers were gunned down by their assailant. While Prince William County was fortunate to not lose any police officers during 2010, 89 felonious assaults on officers were recorded. Each day of an officer’s career the inherent dangers of policing are acknowledged. Despite these risks, officers continue in their commitment to protect and serve,” said Prince William Police Chief Charlie T. Deane.
Prince William police will hold their annual ceremony tonight at 7 p.m. at the Ferlazzo Building on Jefferson Davis Highway (U.S. 1) in Woodbridge. It’s open to the public.
Prince William County has released a list of the 14 men in law enforcement who have lived or worked in the county since 1970 who have died in the line of duty.
• Trooper Jackie M. Bussard, Virginia State Police – May 1970
• Officer Paul T. White Jr., Prince William County Police – Oct. 1973
• Investigator Claude Everett Seymour, Virginia State Police – April 1975
• Trooper Johnny R. Bowman, Virginia State Police – Aug. 1984
• Sergeant John D. Conner III, Manassas City Police – July 1988
• Officer Phillip M. Pennington, Prince William County Police – Nov. 1990
• Trooper Jose M. Cavazos, Virginia State Police – Feb. 1993
• Special Agent William H. Christian Jr., Federal Bureau of Investigation – May
1995
• Detective John M. Gibson, United States Capitol Police – July 1998
• Officer Marlon E. Morales, Metro Transit Police – June 2001
• Second Lt. Francis Joseph Stecco, Fairfax County Police – Oct. 2008
• Special Agent Chad L. Michael, Drug Enforcement Administration – Oct.
2009
• Special Agent Forrest N. Leamon, Drug Enforcement Administration – Oct.
2009
• Officer Paul Michael Dittamo, Metropolitan Police – Oct. 2010
Recent Stories
The Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a double homicide following the discovery of two deceased individuals in a Heatherwood Drive residence about two miles from Courtland High School.
Investigators are mum about how they died.
On Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., deputies responded to a call from a concerned individual who reported not having heard from a friend. Upon visiting the residence in the 10800 block of Heatherwood Drive, the caller entered the home and discovered a female’s body. They exited and contacted the Spotsylvania County 911 call center.
Patricia A. Healy, the longest-serving member in the history of the Stafford County School Board, celebrated a remarkable milestone on January 14, 2025—25 years of dedicated service to Stafford County Public Schools. First elected to represent the Rock Hill District in 2000, Healy has since become a pillar of leadership and advocacy for education in the community.
In a special recognition at the school board meeting, Healy was lauded for her steadfast commitment to students, families, and educators. Over the course of her tenure, Healy has served alongside 33 board members and held leadership roles, including seven years as chair and one year as vice chair. Her guidance has been instrumental in navigating the board through significant growth, challenges, and transformations within the school system.
This week, we’re thrilled to host Dr. Babur Lateef, Chairman of the Prince William County School Board, and Jennifer Wall, Gainesville District Representative, for an engaging discussion on the state of education in Prince William County on the next Potomac Local News Podcast.
Rania Lateef, a senior at Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School and the Governor’s School @ Innovation Park, daughter of Prince William School Board Chairman Babur Lateef, has been named one of 40 finalists in the prestigious 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS). Selected from nearly 2,500 applicants nationwide, Rania is recognized for her groundbreaking research on the effects of artificial light and circadian disruption on biobehavioral systems in Drosophila melanogaster. Her work highlights the impact of sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances on physical and mental health.
Rania credited her success to the supportive academic community of Prince William County Public Schools, her teachers Stephanie Brown and Dr. Alexis Patanarut, and her unique opportunities at GS@IP. As a finalist, she has already won $27,000 and will compete for additional awards totaling over $1.8 million during a week-long event in Washington, D.C., in March 2025. Rania’s journey emphasizes the power of passion and commitment in achieving meaningful scientific discoveries.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
