Law Enforcement
Commendation Medal
The Law Enforcement Commendation Medal may be presented by the National Society, a state society, or a chapter to those who have served with distinction and devotion in the field of law enforcement. It may be presented to recognize a variety of service in the field of law enforcement.
Fairfax Resolves works with local law enforcement agencies to recognize those who have met these criteria by awarding them the Law Enforcement Commendation Medal. The chapter has a tradition of awarding this medal to one member of the Fairfax County Police Department each year, but the medal can be awarded to members of any law enforcement group.
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The medal depicts a police badge design surmounted by a gold eagle with the SAR Badge below. The medal is accompanied by an enameled bar, suitable for wear on a uniform. A miniature medal is also available. |
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Law Enforcement Commendation Medal |
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Additional information regarding the SAR Law Enforcement Commendation Medal can be found in the SAR Handbook, Volume III.
Recent Medal Recipients
Col. David Rohrer, Chief of Police Fairfax County, attended the Fairfax Resolves annual awards banquet to communicate his appreciation to the Chapter for being a part of the county award system and for our Chapter’s attention to those who protect our freedoms. He likened the mission of the Fairfax County Police Department to that of the Fire and Rescue Department: to protect persons and property.
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Fairfax County Police Chief, Col. David Rohrer, speaks at the annual awards banquet. |
The Fairfax Resolves Chapter was honored to present two Law Enforcement Commendation medals at this year’s annual awards banquet. MPO Paul DeHaven and Detective Douglas Comfort have both served the community with distinction and devotion in the field of law enforcement.
Medal Recipient
MPO Paul DeHaven
MPO Paul DeHaven is the unit commander for the Helicopter Division and has been a Fairfax County Police Officer for 13 years. MPO DeHaven is one of the Division’s senior members and serves as a Senior Paramedic/Flight Officer. His regular assignments are enough to exhaust most of us and he provides, often on his own time, the following services to the Police, Fire, EMS, and civilian communities:
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EMT instructor for both Departments (Police and Fire) |
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Police Recruit Instructor at the Fairfax County Criminal Justice Academy |
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Fire Recruit Instructor at the Fairfax County Fire Training Academy |
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Fairfax County Citizen’s Police Academy Instructor LtR: Mr & Mrs Dehaven (parents), President Tom Speelman, MPO Dehaven, Chief Rohrer |
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Member of the National Capitol Region Emergency Response Team |
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Medic providing support to the Civil Disturbance Unit and Dive Teams |
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Flight Officer/Paramedic Training Instructor |
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Advanced Life Support Coordinator |
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Maintaining no less than six instructor or coordinator certifications in the medical and law enforcement disciplines, MPO DeHaven has demonstrated his skills (other than instructor). He was awarded the Bronze Medal of Valor for his life saving actions involving a mortally wounded Pentagon Police Officer. He also participated in the life saving efforts during the medevac of Detective Vicky Armel. This is in addition to the countless number of medevacs of seriously injured citizens and apprehensions of felony suspects. |
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L to R: Mr & Mrs Dehaven (parents), President Tom Speelman, MPO Dehaven, Chief Rohrer. |
Medal Recipient
Detective Douglas Comfort
Thirty-three years ago, Detective Comfort began his law enforcement career. After twenty-four years he retired into civilian life only to realize his burning desire was to continue his career in law enforcement. He joined the ranks of the Fairfax County Police Department, where he was selected to become an essential member of the Department’s Criminal Intelligence Unit. This unit’s focus is to identify and mitigate the possibility of terrorist threats in Fairfax County in the post September 11th era. This function grew to be an element of the National Capital Regional Intelligence Center (NCRIC). The NCRIC exists to prevent, deter and investigate local terrorism.
Many of Detective Comfort’s efforts are classified, but one recent case history was released to the public in 2003. In a joint operation with federal investigators, Detective Comfort was solely responsible for obtaining the legal means to collect incriminating evidence to prosecute the members of the Virginia Jihad terrorist organization. This group was in the process of acting to support Taliban efforts in Afghanistan. Several members had already received training in Pakistan. Unfortunately for this group, they chose to operate in Fairfax County, and they are now serving various prison sentences.
Detective Comfort, as a testament to his knowledge and skill, was featured in an article in The Prosecutor magazine titled, “Using the Elliot Ness Strategy against Terrorists.” This six page feature article discusses why Detective Comfort’s methods are an effective way to disrupt international terrorist organizations. Prosecutors are not the only professionals to benefit from Detective Comfort’s experience. In the last three years he has taught over two thousand students in counter terrorism techniques. This accomplishment alone is worth recognition.