Fairfax County Fire and Rescue units responded to a boathouse fire at the Fairfax Yacht Club on Old Colchester Road in Lorton shortly after 1 a.m. on March 30. Upon arrival, firefighters found the structure fully engulfed, with flames spreading to nearby brush. No injuries were reported. Fire investigators remained on the scene as of  6 a.m. to determine the cause of the blaze.

FCPD Shuts Down Large Drug Operation

Detectives from the Fairfax County Police Department’s Organized Crime and Intelligence Bureau, alongside local and federal partners, executed search warrants on March 18 at 13 "Tobacco King" locations, two storage units, a warehouse and three residences. The operation resulted in the seizure of more than $2 million in narcotics, including 40 pounds of mushroom-infused gummies, unauthorized prescription medications, and hundreds of pounds of marijuana in various forms. Authorities also seized more than $500,000 in cash and froze 30 bank accounts. The massive effort included support from the DEA, ATF, Virginia State Police, and several regional police departments.

Officer Hank M. Ruffin of the Herndon Police Department assisted young participants at the Kids Trout Fishing Derby on Saturday, March 21. Held at the Sugarland Run Trail stream behind the police station, the event featured a heavily stocked stream to encourage local youth. Ruffin, a long-time staple at the annual derby, spends his time teaching children how to cast and spot trout. His goal, as he told The Connection in 2019, is to "spark a lifelong love affair with the sport" and recruit the next generation of anglers for the Town of Herndon.

 The Herndon Police Department’s bike team, (from left) Corporal A. Cadang and Master Police Officer S. Scholl, recently seized firearms from juveniles in three separate incidents. Police say in the first case, a 17-year-old was charged with concealment and possession of a stolen semi-automatic firearm. In the second incident, a 15-year-old was found with a "ghost gun" and an extended magazine; charges included possession of a firearm by a minor, carrying a loaded firearm with more than 20 rounds, obstruction of justice, and possession of marijuana. The third case involved a 16-year-old in possession of a firearm stolen from Georgia, resulting in charges for possession of a firearm by a minor, concealment, and resisting arrest.

David Huchler will begin his service as the Deputy Police Chief for the Town of Vienna on April 6, bringing 34 years of law enforcement experience to the role. "David Huchler is well qualified to serve in a public safety leadership role, and we are looking forward to welcoming him into the ranks," said Vienna Police Chief Dan Janickey. Janickey noted that Huchler’s established record of excellence and experience with regional partners will help the department continue to meet the needs of the growing community.