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History
Herndon Police Department History
The Town of Herndon has transformed from an undeveloped dairy farmland to a highly productive town. Herndon's proximity to Dulles International Airport and its location within the Metropolitan Area of Washington, D.C. has insured a stable financial status as it remains a hub for technological businesses.
The first law enforcement office was formed in 1879. C.M. Burton was appointed the first town sergeant. The town sergeant was responsible for patrolling the little horse and buggy community, collecting taxes, and overseeing roadwork. From 1879-1924, various town sergeants were elected. Records indicate the following individuals served as town sergeant: Elisha Dyer, George Albaugh, Charles E. Johnson, Mr. Killam, W.F. Middleton, E.B. Blanchard, John Ryon, W.G. Mills, J.W. Ellswick, A .G. Hutchinson, and H.C. Van Meter. In 1924, Vernon C. Cockerille was elected as town sergeant and continued in this capacity until his retirement in August 1952. The final town sergeant was Sergeant Peters who was elected to succeed Sergeant Cockerille and served until his death in 1958.
In 1958, there was a significant change in the Town's approach to law enforcement. The responsibilities of one town sergeant were turned over to Joseph P. Murray who was appointed the first police chief. Through Chief Murray's tenure the town employed police officers and focused on developing an official police department. Chief Murray utilized both full and part-time officers. By 1972, the population increased and the Herndon Police force reached the strength of six men. The officers worked out of the first police station which was located in the bottom portion of the Town Hall.
From 1972-1983, Walter R. Bishop served as the second police chief. He was appointed at the rank of Major. During Chief's Bishop's tenure, the six man department grew to 26 sworn officers and ten civilian employees. Chief Bishop transformed the police department to a highly trained suburban police force. In August 1972 the first dispatcher was hired. The dispatcher position allowed for a call-in service during the week days. This was later expanded to a 24 hour, seven day a week operation in 1975. On July 22, 1976, the Herndon Police Department moved from its headquarters in the Town Hall to the Hoover Building at 898 Crestview Drive. Chief Bishop also obtained the Virginia Crime Information Network (VCIN) capacity, added a special operations unit, canine, bicycle patrol, a juvenile/crime prevention officer and an investigator position. The Herndon Police Citizens Support Team and the Police Explorer Post were started and both are active today. In May 1974, under Chief Bishop, the Herndon Police received the second annual J. Edgar Hoover Award for furthering the professionalism of law enforcement.
From 1983-1988, George W. Winkel served as the Town of Herndon's third chief of police and its first to be recognized at the rank of colonel. Chief Winkel instituted the concept of "zone schools," whereby the Herndon Police Department hosted a four-hour law enforcement related training session each month. For this unique concept, the Department was awarded the coveted 1985 Achievement Award for Public Safety by the Virginia Municipal League. In November 1986, under Chief Winkel, the Herndon Police received its accredited status from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. The Department became the seventh agency in Virginia and the forty-second in the Nation to become accredited. In March of 1987, the Department moved to 1481 Sterling Road.
George Kranda became the fourth police chief and served from 1989 - 1999. Chief Kranda reorganized the department adding two divisions, the Field Operations and Support Services Divisions. He instituted new office management practices that resulted in a more complete and cost effective budget process, and improved administrative record keeping. With these additions, and by adding the rank of police captain and communications supervisor, the overall management of the department was enhanced. Under Chief Kranda, a career development component for police officers and police sergeants was established. Chief Kranda also refocused the service delivery of the Herndon Police by incorporating a community oriented policing philosophy. A bicycle patrol team and a motor squad were also established by Chief Kranda.
Colonel Toussaint E. Summers, Jr. became the Chief of Police for the Town of Herndon on July 19, 1999. Chief Summers is a Northern Virginia native and former 23-year veteran of the Prince William County Police Department, retiring as a District Commander at the rank of Captain. During his career with the Prince William County Police, Chief Summers served as Academy Director of the Prince William County Public Safety Academy. He possesses a strong background in community policing, which has manifested itself in the expansion and enhancement of the Herndon Police Community Policing Program. The Herndon Police Department provides service with a community focus - "in partnership with the community." Chief Summers holds a bachelor's degree in Administration of Justice from American University, and a master's certificate in Administration of Justice from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Among the many changes since becoming Chief of Police, he has overseen the transition to a new 800 mzh radio system and secured a new integrated information system, enabling the HPD to achieve paperless reporting. This use of modern technology has minimized officer downtime, increased information access and enhanced the safety of members of the Herndon Police Department and the community it serves.
Along with his duties as Chief of Police he is serving the law enforcement community as:
- Chairman of the 10th Congressional District Gang Task Force
- Facilitator/Instructor with the Department of Justice's Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS)
- Member of the Executive Board, Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission.
- Member of the Northern Virginia Community College Administration of Justice Curriculum Advisory Committee.
The Herndon Police Department has a long tradition of professional police service.
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