The motorcycle of Alexandria police Officer Peter Laboy was on display outside a fundraiser for him and his family on Sunday at the Virtue Feed and Grain restaurant. The event raised $75,000 for Laboy. (Jim Craige Photography/Alexandria Police Association)
These have been difficult times for local police departments. On New Year’s Eve, Prince William County Officer Chris Yung was killed in a traffic accident. On Feb. 27, Alexandria Officer Peter Laboy was shot in the head during a traffic stop, but survived. The next night, Fairfax County Officer Long Dinh was critically injured in a head-on car crash in Annandale and remains hospitalized. And the Virginia State Police on Tuesday helped bury Trooper Junius Walker, who was shot to death south of Petersburg last week.
Officer Chris Yung of the Prince William County Police Department. (Courtesy Prince William County Police)
Northern Virginia citizens have never been hesitant about showing their support for law enforcement. On Sunday in Alexandria, a fundraiser at the Virtue Feed and Grain restaurant brought out a huge show of support for Officer Laboy and raised $75,000. Laboy’s wife Suzanne has started a blog, titled “Superman,” which is chronicling Laboy’s recovery and has details about how to make contributions. Richard Reeve of WJLA-7 did a nice story on the Sunday fundraiser (video below), and on Tuesday Friday Vice President Biden stopped by to show his support.
On Tuesday night, Freedom High School in Woodbridge held its annual Hoops Fest in honor of Officer Yung, and will provide the proceeds to Yung’s family. The event raises thousands of dollars annually for Prince William residents in need. Yung, like Laboy a motorcycle officer, was headed to an emergency call when a minivan pulled in front of him.
Fairfax Officer Dinh’s case has not received as much attention, but his cruiser was crushed and he was trapped in his car after a collision on Little River Turnpike which killed the other driver. The local Fraternal Order of Police lodge in Fairfax is raising funds to help Dinh and his family with his recovery, and more details are available here.
