Prince William County’s emergency dispatchers—often referred to as the “first” first responders—are being recognized for their behind-the-scenes heroism during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, April 14–20, 2025.
During its April 1 meeting, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors passed a proclamation honoring the county’s public safety telecommunicators for their dedication to the community. Supervisor Victor Angry (Neabsco District) introduced the resolution, which Chair At-Large Deshundra Jefferson read aloud.
“We thank you for the voices that calm and direct us in moments of crisis,” said Chair Jefferson.
The proclamation recognizes the highly trained professionals who answer 911 calls, dispatch emergency services, and provide life-saving instructions—all while remaining calm under pressure.
Michele Surdam, who leads the Department of Public Safety Communications, accepted the proclamation alongside staff members.
“This job is not for the faint of heart,” said one of the department’s representatives. “It’s our job to bring calm to chaos.”
The proclamation highlights the essential role dispatchers play in coordinating emergency response efforts with law enforcement, fire and rescue teams, and emergency medical services.
Supervisor Yesli Vega (Coles District) echoed her appreciation during Supervisors’ Time, adding:
“Let’s not forget the human beings behind the headsets.”
This week, residents are encouraged to thank the telecommunicators who work tirelessly, often anonymously, to keep the community safe—24 hours a day, seven days a week.
National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week was first introduced in 1981 and is observed annually during the second week of April.
With the return of the city's safe exchange zone at the Manassas City Police Department, residents of Manassas now have a designated safe space to conduct online purchases and child custody exchanges.
Located behind the Public Safety Facility at 9608 Grant Ave., the zone is marked and offers a secure environment for community members to meet.
The Prince William County Police enforce traffic safety all year, and the Department reminds motorists to Wear your seatbelt every time! That is the underlying message of this year’s “Click It or Ticket” seatbelt enforcement campaign, which runs from Nov. 23, 2024, through Dec. 1, 2024. Seatbelts save lives!
Prince William County Police join law enforcement agencies throughout Virginia in the “Click It or Ticket” campaign to enforce the Commonwealth’s safety-belt and child safety-seat laws. The Department will participate in high-visibility patrols – day and night – through Sunday, December 1.
Fairfax Water will test the Occoquan Dam Siren warning system on Wednesday, November 20, at 10 a.m. The sirens are intended to alert people near the Occoquan River to seek higher ground in case of a dam failure.
Detectives obtained charges on October 17, 2024, related to a sexual assault reported in 2023 involving a victim and her acquaintance. The accused is wanted for rape and abduction, and efforts to locate him have not been successful.
Press Release from Prince William Police Department:
Rape Investigation – On October 17, 2024, detectives obtained charges in an ongoing investigation regarding a sexual assault that was reported to have occurred at a residence located in the Woodbridge (22191) area of Prince William County in 2023. The investigation revealed the adult female victim was sexually assaulted by an acquaintance, identified as the accused. While investigating the incident, detectives learned the accused had held the victim against her will in an altercation in 2022. The victim eventually reported the incidents prompting the police investigation. Following the investigation, detectives obtained arrest warrants for the accused, identified as Kelvin Johnson ALVARADO-AGUILAR. Attempts to locate the accused have been unsuccessful.
Alvarado-Aguilar, K. J.
Wanted: [Photo from November 2020]
Kelvin Johnson ALVARADO-AGUILAR, 36, of the 1300 block of Ironwood St. in Woodbridge
Described as a Hispanic male, approximately 5’9”, 180lbs., with black hair and brown eyes
Wanted for rape and abduction
