EXPANDED COVERAGEÂ
AQUIA HARBOUR, Va. — Police Chief Trish Harman worked with retiring Prince William County Police Chief Charlie T. Deane for nearly 30 years.
She retired from the Prince William police a Master Detective in 2008, but sheâs never forgotten working with Deane and has incorporated much of what she learned from him in her current role as Chief of the Aquia Harbour Police Department.
âHe encouraged his officers to remember the servant in public servant. Enforcement was just one component of policing, and he knew there were several other facets to it and he gave us the freedom to explore that and was very open to ideas that involved community,â said Harman.
Deane is known across the country for championing âcommunity policing,â a style of management that removes the wall between the public and the police department. Harman said Deane always believed in involving residents in the workings of their police department, that he didn’t believe in withholding information from them, and expected honesty and professionalism from his officers.Â
âItâs about transparency in policing. Before, it was always about âweâll let you know what you need to know it,â and then it became âhere is all of the information we have, hereâs what weâre planning to do, do you have any ideas. He always ahead of his time,â said Harman.Â
Taking a different approach to law enforcement regularly meant more work.Â
â[Community policing] creates a lot more work for him. Itâs an easier choice just to do the enforcement thing and just run the department, but itâs not the best choice for the community and he knew that very early on when it was not in vogue,â said Harman.Â
Harman leads a small force of accredited law enforcement officers who patrol the streets of Aquia Harbour, a gated community in North Stafford. Sheâs been an advocate for a neighborhood watch services, and she involved community residents in the aftermath and clean up of the June 29 derecho storm when Aquia Harbour lost power.
Harman said she made it a point to leave the Prince William police department prior to Deaneâs retirement because she didnât want to work for any other chief.
Deane is set to retire Sept. 1, and a replacement has not yet been named.
Recent Stories
Manassas City Council will discuss a proposed tax incentive on Monday, February 10, 2025, to support Micron Technology Inc.’s planned $2 billion expansion. The deal would extend the company’s favorable semiconductor equipment tax rate through 2035, saving Micron millions annually. The expansion, backed by $275 million from the U.S. Department of Commerce, is expected to create over 400 manufacturing jobs. City officials tout the investment as a boost for local economic growth, while residents and businesses will weigh the long-term benefits.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the region, warning of four to six inches of snow, with higher totals possible. Snow will begin Tuesday afternoon, intensify Tuesday evening into overnight, and could transition to a wintry mix Wednesday morning. The storm will create hazardous travel conditions, impacting Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning commutes. Another system this weekend could bring heavy rain or a wintry mix, increasing flooding risks. Think you can predict the snowfall? Comment your guess for a chance to win a prize.
A townhouse fire in Woodbridge displaced a family of five late Saturday afternoon after flames spread from the rear of the home into the attic.
Fire and rescue units responded at approximately 3:45 p.m. on Saturday, February 8, to the 3400 block of Aviary Way, near Lake Ridge Elementary School, after a resident reported seeing smoke coming from the back of their home. When crews arrived, they found smoke and flames moving up the rear of the house and into the attic. Firefighters quickly contained and extinguished the fire.
No injuries were reported, but the home sustained moderate damage. The Building Official declared the residence unsafe for occupancy. The American Red Cross assists two adults and three children displaced by the fire.
A suspect in a bank robbery on Route 3 was arrested thanks to a tip leading authorities to a Fredericksburg hotel.
Dawson
According to the Spotsylvania County Sheriffâs Office, the robbery occurred at Truist Bank, located at 3600 Plank Road, next to Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 11:15 a.m. A bank employee called 911 to report that a man had entered the bank and demanded money. The employee complied with the demands, and the suspect fled with an undisclosed amount of cash.
Authorities confirmed that the suspect did not display a weapon during the robbery, and no injuries were reported. Witnesses at the scene provided law enforcement with a description of the suspectâs getaway vehicle, which was identified as a copper/orange pickup truck.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditionsâno 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 treatâit’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fĂšve (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and donât worryâthere will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But thatâs not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Yearâs wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. Weâre bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
Whatâs in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Pucciniâs âThe Girl from the Golden Westâ.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Pucciniâs masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
