Police Investigate Home Robbery

City of Fairfax police are investigating a robbery that happened last Tuesday, Sept. 10, around 10:45 p.m., at a home in the 3900 block of Bradwater Street in the Comstock community. The occupants reported that two males forced their way into the townhouse, implied they had weapons, took several items of property and physically assaulted several of the occupants, who sustained minor injuries.

The intruders left the home after one of the residents discharged a handgun, possibly striking one of the men. The suspects were described as black, of average build, and in their 20s. One was about 6 feet; the other was about 5-foot-9. They wore gray, hooded sweatshirts and blue jeans and fled on foot. Police conducted an extensive search of the area, using a K-9 team and a helicopter, but couldn’t find them.

Anyone with information about this robbery or the suspects is asked to call Det. Shawn Sutherland at 703-385-7887 or Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). Callers to Crime Solvers may remain anonymous and could be eligible for a cash reward.

Election Officers Are Needed

The Fairfax County Office of Elections needs approximately 2,200 election officers—particularly bilingual ones—for the Nov. 5 general election, and it’s seeking the public’s help. Election officers must be registered voters in Virginia and must complete required training and forms.

Applicants may choose to accept the $175 payment for a full day’s work or volunteer their time. For the application form, go to http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/elections/training/1aaug2013electionofficerappfinal.pdf.

Residents may also apply online through the Virginia State Board of Elections at http://www.sbe.virginia.gov/OnlineForms/OfficerofElection. Information submitted will be forwarded to the Fairfax County Office of Elections.

Woodson High Continues Milk and Cookies Program

Woodson High School’s Milk and Cookies program returns for the 2013-14 school year, beginning Wednesday, Sept. 18. All Woodson students and staff members receive a free cookie and a carton of milk (plain or chocolate) after school.

The program is a result of a message from Principal Jeff Yost in which he referred to Robert Fulghum’s classic book, “All I Really Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.” Yost reminded the school community of the simple lessons one learns in kindergarten, including “Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.” His message inspired families and staff members to start the Milk and Cookies program.

The program runs once a month; cookies are donated by Woodson families and staff members.

Helping Keep Children Safe

City of Fairfax police, in conjunction with the Optimist Club of Fairfax, will be offering Safe Assured identification kits for children on Saturday, Sept. 21, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at police headquarters at 3730 Old Lee Highway.

Parents will receive a full-color photo ID and a mini-CD containing digital fingerprints, a digital photo, video showing movement and mannerisms, a general physical description, vital personal information and a family code word. Private information is encrypted and accessible only by law-enforcement personnel.

Missing-persons posters can be created and printed directly from the CD in English, Spanish and French. The Safe Assured ID kits can also be used as a valuable aid for adults with special needs. The kits are free and an appointment is necessary. Call Sgt. Kyle Penman at 703-273-2889 for further information and to make appointments.

Get City Emergency Messages

September is “Emergency Preparedness Month,” and having timely and accurate information is essential to being well prepared. The City of Fairfax Police Department is urging city residents and businesses to take advantage of the city’s free, emergency, electronic-notification service. Notifications are provided for things such as weather emergencies, major utility disruptions, prisoner escapes and major traffic problems.

Those signing up for the service may specify whether they wish to receive alerts by any or all of several means, including e-mail, cell-phone pager or smart phone. Subscribing is easy and may be done at the City of Fairfax website, www.fairfaxva.gov, and clicking on the eMAS icon in the upper right of the home page.