Every photo has a story.
As a reporter for many years, I’ve worked a lot of crash scenes, house fires, and homicide investigations. Never once was I stopped by a police officer and asked for my license and registration.
There’s a first time for everything, they say. Who knew it would be the assignment where I’m taking a photo of a Ferris Wheel?
It was just before 1 p.m. Friday when I was driving along Route 1 and saw a carnival rides erected in a parking lot across from Our Lady Angels church. I pulled into the parking lot to take a photo of the wheel with my camera phone. A police car was sitting in the parking lot.
After pulling in, I stopped my car, rolled down my driver’s side window, stuck my cell phone out the window, and took this photo:
When I had finished, I noticed the officer had rolled down her driver’s side window and was looking at me. I decided I would speak with her, so I rolled forward about a foot and then the officer activated her lights and siren, got out of the car, spoke into her radio to notify her dispatch of a traffic stop, and then she asked to see my license and registration.
I reached over the glove box to get it. I gave it to the officer, as well as my business card, and explained that I am a member of the press and that I took a photo of the Ferris Wheel.
The officer recognized my name and recalled seeing it before when she had previously assisted in the department’s public information office.
She asked me if I was out gathering news that day. “Yes, that’s what they pay me to do,” I responded.
The officer then explained that she felt threatened by me – someone she didn’t know taking a photo so close to her police car.
Those who read this website know that, as the publisher, I do not use this forum as a soapbox to spout off my opinions. I’m not about to start.
I have much respect for police officers in Prince William County, and across the country. I don’t have to tell you it’s been a trying time for officers across the country as of late.
Maybe I should have spoken first to the officer to tell her what I was doing. Maybe I should put press decals on my car so, like her police car, my profession is immediately recognizable to anyone looking.
One thing we won’t do: Stop taking photos in our community. And, while this particular photo did not feature one, we won’t stop taking photos of police officers doing thier jobs. The work police officers do to serve and protect us is too important not to feature and explain to our readers.
I won’t stop taking photos of Ferris Wheels, either.
Author
Recent Stories
In this episode of the Potomac Local Podcast, Uriah Kiser interviews Delegate Paul Milde, a Republican representing Stafford County in Virginia’s 64th District. Delegate Milde discusses his reelection campaign, his work on transportation funding, data center growth, land preservation efforts, and revitalizing blighted areas like Aquia Town Center.
Authorities are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Tuesday evening, January 9, in the 8300 block of Sunset Drive, near Manassas.
Doves Landing. [Courtesy of Prince William County]Prince Wiliam County is teaming up with the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust (NVCT) to conserve Doves Landing Regional Park in Manassas. NVCT is a…
In this episode of the Potomac Local News Podcast, host Uriah Kiser interviews Dr. Amarda Shehu, the Associate Vice President of Research for the Institute for Digital Innovation and the inaugural Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer at George Mason University.
Dr. Shehu discusses her groundbreaking role at Mason, the university’s proactive approach to AI, and the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on education, the workforce, and the economy.
Topics Covered:
The role of a Chief AI Officer in higher education
How AI is reshaping education and workforce preparation
Ethical considerations in AI integration
The intersection of AI and economic transformation
Mason’s vision for responsible and innovative AI use
Start 2024 on the right foot by prioritizing your mental health and well-being. At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand how challenging life can be—whether it’s managing stress from work, family dynamics, or navigating the complexities of the world around us. Our team is here to help you create balance and find the peace you deserve.
We’re offering a free 15-minute consultation to help you explore how therapy can work for you. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, looking for support, or just want to talk things through, this is the perfect opportunity to take that first step toward a healthier, happier you.
Scheduling is simple and convenient. Choose the option that works best for you:
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.
Featuring:
