January 6, 2022
To the Fairfax County Community,

A year ago today, our U.S. Capitol was attacked. The violence threatened our Vice President, members of Congress, Senators, police officers, Hill staffers, and the other employees inside that building who work every day on our behalf.
 
Sadly that day, one police officer died, others have since committed suicide, and dozens more still live with the physical and emotional scars. Some of these officers were even part of our Fairfax County community. My thoughts are with their families and friends today.
 
Our trust in the stability of our democratic process was also shaken on January 6. It is important for all of us to remember across the political spectrum, that democracy is something we must always defend. As we move forward, humility, empathy, and listening to one another is how we must come together. While I know that I will never forget what happened on January 6, 2021, we must always remember that our strong democratic values are what makes our country special.
FCPD 2021 Crime Summary
Because of the work of our dedicated police department and their strong collaboration with the community, in 2021 we saw reductions in most major crime categories. While these crime numbers are not yet final, I wanted to share some interesting stats from the crime summary (the final report will be out in a few months).

  • Overall crime fell by 9.6% in 2021, compared to 2020.
  • The drop in crime resulted in 3,187 fewer victims, compared to 2020.
  • Robbery fell by 1% in 2021, compared to 2020. 
  • Domestic assaults fell by 4% in 2021, compared to 2020.
  • Burglary fell by 11% in 2021, compared to 2020. 
  • Auto theft fell by 8% in 2021, compared to 2020. 
  • Larcenies from automobiles fell by 17% in 2021, compared to 2020. 
  • Following the national trend, homicide was a rare category that saw an increase in 2021. This increase of 6 homicide victims is driven by an unusually high number of indoor domestic violence incidents involving adult children killing parents and other family members.
  • The Major Crimes Bureau solved a total of 399 cases of violent crime, including 16 of the 21 murders.
  • Fairfax County invests heavily in both mental health and assistance in cases of domestic violence.

Read more about the statistics, the Police Department's reform efforts, and their recruitment work here.
Snow
  • Fairfax County is under a winter weather advisory tonight.
  • For the latest snow information:
  • You can follow Fairfax County Government, Fairfax County's Office of Emergency Management, and VDOT Northern Virginia on Twitter.
  • You can sign up for Fairfax County Emergency Alerts here.
  • Follow the Fairfax County Emergency Blog here.
  • For questions about snow removal, shoveling, or other winter weather related questions, visit the County's snow webpage here.
  • VDOT/The roads
  • VDOT owns the majority of roads in Fairfax County and they are in charge of plowing them.
  • To report hazardous road conditions, call VDOT’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-367-7623 or visit online.
  • Road conditions can be tracked here and you can track VDOT's plows here.
  • VDOT asks that drivers carefully monitor weather reports for shifts in conditions and make plans now to avoid Wednesday travel.
  • Power outages
  • Dominion: Report a power outage online here or call 1-866-366-4357.
  • NOVEC: Report a power outage online here or call 703-335-0500.
  • Utilities:
  • Report problems:
  • Verizon: 1-800-837-4966
  • Cox: 703-378-8422
  • Washington Gas Emergency: 844-927-4427
  • Hypothermia Shelters: If you see someone who is unsheltered and you think they are at risk of hypothermia, call the County’s non-emergency police phone number: 703-691-2131.
  • Hypothermia Prevention for Pets: Be sure your pet is warm and has adequate care and shelter. Adequate shelter requires that the shelter:
  • Be suitable for the species, age, condition, size, and type of each animal.
  • Provide adequate space for each animal.
  • Be safe and protect each animal from injury during rain, sleet, snow, and ice.
  • Protect each animal from adverse effects of heat or cold and physical suffering.
  • Protect each animal from impairment of health.
  • Be properly lighted and properly cleaned.
  • Enables each animal to be clean and dry, except when detrimental to the species.
  • Provide a solid surface, resting platform, pad, floormat, or similar device that is large enough for the animal to lie on in a normal manner, and can be maintained in a sanitary manner. (This requirement is for cats and dogs).
COVID-19
  • I have a strong partnership with FCPS and regularly communicate with the School Board Chair and other members of the School Board on how we can continue to ensure the health and safety of both staff and students. That said, any final decisions regarding COVID protocol are made by the elected members of the School Board and Superintendent.
  • Separate from our Health Department, FCPS recently announced their own COVID-19 testing clinics. See more here.
  • It feels like I know a lot of people who have recently contracted COVID-19. Fortunately, they were vaccinated. Their symptoms seemed to be mild and after a few days, they all recovered. The truth is: vaccines have made a huge difference for our community over the past year. You stepped up, took the time and energy to act and, most likely, you saved many lives by getting your vaccinations. I urge all of you not to give up; get vaccinated and boosted. Don’t wait. Please, schedule your appointment now. There are many in our community are still vulnerable to the serious effects of COVID and now our local hospitals are starting to feel the strain. I urge everyone to get vaccinated and boosted as soon as you’re able.
  • What else can you do?
  • Wear a well-fitting mask while in public indoor settings. Don’t let up on this. We are at record-high numbers of cases, and we must continue to practice safe health strategies now.
  • If you’re sick, stay home.
  • Around others? Don’t forget to wash your hands (frequently).
  • If you or a family member tests positive for COVID-19, follow these steps.
  • We are all concerned about COVID-19 but, by continuing to work together, we will get through this.
Reflecting on our Success
In case you missed it, on January 1, I shared a video outlining some of our success as we have worked to respond to COVID-19.

I was privileged to speak with some members of our community as well. I want to thank: Dr. Khan from Neighborhood Health, Kerrie Wilson from Cornerstones, Sue Boucher from Fairfax County's Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court, Paula Rosca from the Fairfax Medical Reserve Corps, Jerry Young, the owner of Della J’s Delectables, and Thai Huynh, the owner of Le Bledo Eatery, for sharing your story with me.
Community Member Spotlight
I want to wish Esther Jones of Centreville a very happy 100th birthday!

Her granddaughter Faith, shared this about Esther:

She was a strong woman and still is today. She was a hard worker. She grew her own vegetables, and she was her own handyman. She was a jack of all trades. She took pride in her work. She was a very independent woman. She is a mother, grandmother, great- grandmother, and a great-great grandmother. She was a fashionista. She loved wearing her fur coats and hats. She is the backbone of the family! 
Health
Vaccine Resources:


COVID-19 Resources:

  • Fairfax County Health Department
  • To view the number of cases in Fairfax County this page is updated at noon daily.
  • Visit the County site on COVID-19, Health Department Website, and see their FAQs.
  • To view multilingual health materials visit the County's Language Portal.
  • Sign up for text message alerts: text FFXCOVID to 888777. Para inscribirse, textear FFXCOVIDESP a 888777.
  • Call the Health Department from 9am-7pm weekdays and 9:30am-5pm on weekends: 703-267-3511
  • Email: [email protected]. This account will be staffed Monday through Friday, 8am-8pm.
  • Inova has a helpful FAQ.
Sincerely,
Jeff McKay
Contact my Office

| 703.324.2321 |
Sign up for my newsletter here.