Sterling welcomes Sheriff's sub-station

Several hundred residents of the populous portion of Loudoun County east of Route 28 welcomed the opening yesterday of the new Sheriff's sub-station on East Frederick Drive in Sterling Park.
The sub-station brings a physical presence to one of the oldest communities in eastern Loudoun, which frequently shows up in the Sheriff's daily crime log.
But the crowd included residents as well from Broad Run Farms, CountrySide, Cascades, Sugarland Run and many of the smaller area communities.
The main draw was not only to thank the Sheriff's Office and the county for the welcome new police presence, but also to get a look inside the new facility.
The building was open to visitors following a formal program of comments by elected officials and the standard ribbon-cutting.
The new facility is located on land given the county by the School Board. It sits between Rolling Ridge Elementary School and the pre-school playground on Sterling Boulevard.
Prior to construction, residents were assured that children using the school and playground would be safe, and yesterday's tour confirmed the promise.
The facility is walled, except for its one public entrance in the front where residents may visit, ask questions or report concerns.
Arrested persons are brought in police cars into a secure area behind the building.
Inside there are interogation rooms, evidence lockers, work area, and three modern jail cells -- not with bars but with thick metal sliding doors.
Suspects normally will not be kept overnight. Arrested persons can "appear" before a judge for arraignment by closed circuit video, and be released on bail in appropriate cases. Suspects to be held for trial will be taken to the county jail in Leesburg.
Although residents may be most interested in the increased police presence, taxpayers and Sheriff's deputies will see savings in cost and time because an arrest in Sterling will no longer require the 20-mile trip to Leesburg. Deputies will file paperwork from the new facility, saving gas and time.
During the opening ceremony, Sheriff Steve Simpson thanked the School Board "for allowing us to build here," and promised residents that "we will do the best we can to serve you," throuogh increased "community policing."
Virginia Delegate Tom Rust presented a certificate of appreciation to Capt. Rick Frye, the new station's commander. Frye, in turn, recognized the "53 men and 12 women who are working around the clock to keep Sterling safe. ... This station are these people," Frye added, gesturing to the his employees who stood in ranks to one side throughout the ceremony. This building is not just brick and morter. ... This is your building," Frye told residents.
Remarks also came from County Supervisors Scott York, Eugene Delgaudio, Susan Buckley, Andrea McGimsey and Stevens Miller. Maj. Robert Buckman, the Sheriff's Operations Division Commander served as host.

-- martin casey