Making our communities safer places

How much of a difference can one person make?

Ask the residents of Kingsbrooke subdivision, where the Prince William County Police Crime Prevention Unit has awarded Irene Pospolita two certificates for her dedication and commitment to making the county a safer place.

Pospolita, a longtime member of Kingsbrooke's homeowners association, volunteered to become the Neighborhood Watch coordinator for the 949-residence community in Bristow.

The program is composed of nine neighborhood watches and various volunteers.

"When pesky nuisance crimes became thousands of dollars in damage to our infrastructure, we had to do something," Pospolita said.

But she took it a step further by educating other communities about Neighborhood Watch and what it has to offer.

When Pospolita heard the Crossman Creek community was experiencing similar crimes, she helped them form a watch group.

"As this is a very small community of 98 homes, they do not have meeting space, so they participated in our training meetings and general meetings," she said.

Crossman Creek now has an involved and successful watch group.

Working alongside county police, Pospolita also was instrumental in creating a police substation in Kingsbrooke.

The community began by hiring off-duty officers to serve as security, which Pospolita said made an immediate difference.

Next, she asked the association board to consider using the Kingsbrooke clubhouse as a substation.

Board members agreed, and then, working with retired Lt. Gene Bellando, she was pleased when the substation was approved by Police Chief Charlie T. Deane.

The Kingsbrooke field office opened in November 2008. Since then, on-duty officers have had restroom facilities, a secure building, a place to write reports and a telephone.

"Having a set-up such as this would save them from having to go all the way back to the Western District station," Pospolita said. "And it's a great way to give back to those who serve us."

This year, Pospolita also provided a donation to the Crime Prevention Council's fundraising golf tournament. Proceeds from the event help the council educate Prince William residents and provide handouts and giveaways.

"We here in my office truly admire Irene and are grateful for all her work she has done for her community and for Prince William County," said officer Jason Alicie of the Crime Prevention Unit.

Pospolita said she had no idea she was going to receive an award. She said she believes everyone should be involved in their communities, regardless of how much time they have to devote to a cause.

"I believe that the work of neighborhood watches and involving homeowners are a tremendous asset to any community, and that budget cuts should not affect those who serve and protect any community," said Pospolita.