EXPANDED COVERAGE
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 she’s 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.
“He 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,” said Harman.
Deane is known across the country for championing “community policing,” 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.
“It’s about transparency in policing. Before, it was always about ‘we’ll let you know what you need to know it,’ and then it became ‘here is all of the information we have, here’s what we’re planning to do, do you have any ideas. He always ahead of his time,” said Harman.
Taking a different approach to law enforcement regularly meant more work.
“[Community policing] creates a lot more work for him. It’s an easier choice just to do the enforcement thing and just run the department, but it’s not the best choice for the community and he knew that very early on when it was not in vogue,” said Harman.
Harman leads a small force of accredited law enforcement officers who patrol the streets of Aquia Harbour, a gated community in North Stafford. She’s 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 Deane’s retirement because she didn’t want to work for any other chief.
Deane is set to retire Sept. 1, and a replacement has not yet been named.
Recent Stories
A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for the region from 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11, to 7 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, prompting numerous school closings and early dismissals. The National Weather Service forecasts heavy snowfall between 4 to 8 inches, with snowfall rates reaching 1 to 2 inches per hour Tuesday afternoon and evening. Hazardous road conditions are expected to impact both the Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning commutes.
The Prince William County Board of County Supervisors will address the county’s meals tax during the upcoming budget deliberations, according to Chair At-Large Deshundra Jefferson. The meals tax, enacted in 2022, has been a concern for local restaurant owners, some of whom are advocating for its repeal.
The proposed meal tax (also called the food and beverage tax) for Prince William County in FY2025 is projected to generate $42 million in revenue. This represents a $10 million increase from the previous year, reflecting a significant rise of 31.25%.
The tax has drawn strong reactions from the restaurant industry, where owners have repeatedly called for its abolition, arguing that it places additional strain on their already tight margins. Restaurant owners have pointed to the increased costs they’ve faced over the past few years, compounded by inflation and staffing shortages, making the meals tax particularly burdensome.
A new gym is set to open in Dumfries, bringing 24/7 fitness access to the community. Workout Anytime will celebrate its grand opening on February 13 at 18069 Triangle Shopping Plaza (Suite C&D), offering state-of-the-art equipment, personalized training, and a commitment to fostering a healthier lifestyle.
At the helm of the new gym is Gary Wortham Jr., a former James Madison University football player and recruiter, taking on the general manager role. Wortham, a longtime Dumfries resident, is excited to bring his passion for fitness and community building to this new venture.
“We’re thrilled to be opening a full 24-hour fitness facility right in the heart of Dumfries,” Wortham said. “This town hasn’t had anything like this before, and I’m excited to provide a space where people of all ages can work toward their health and wellness goals.”
OmniRide has earned the prestigious Best Workplaces for Commuters designation, meeting rigorous standards for excellence in employee commuter benefits. This national recognition highlights OmniRide’s commitment to providing stress-free, affordable, and eco-friendly transportation options for Northern Virginia commuters.
Experience award-winning service with OmniRide’s reliable express and local bus routes, designed to save you time, money, and hassle. Join thousands of commuters who choose OmniRide for a smarter, greener way to travel.
Learn more at OmniRide.com.
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.
(Webinar) Diet & Dementia: Brain-Healthy Tips to Reduce Your Risk…
Did you know that your food choices can impact your risk of developing dementia?
Kick off National Nutrition Month with an educational discussion on Wednesday, March 5 at 12 PM EST with Sunday Health dementia neurologist Dr. Sara Doyle and
