Fairfax County Police Department News

A 21-year-old young man’s dream of becoming a police officer became a reality earlier this week.

John Hopper has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a progressive genetic disease, which confines him to a wheelchair and a ventilator. After learning of his lifelong passion for law enforcement, FCPD personnel created an exciting training day for John. The rainy weather didn’t put a damper on the extensive plans that were designed for his special day.

First, John was welcomed By Chief of Police, Colonel Edwin C. Roessler Jr, who pinned him with an honorary police officer’s badge.

“Officer Hopper’s” training began with a motors demonstration, highlighting the precision and expertise of squad members, followed by lessons on steering through a skid. Officer Hopper fueled up on a pizza lunch with members of the FCPD and Sheriff’s Office. After lunch, John met up with the bomb squad and K9 Tucker. He learned about our explosives team and experienced three live explosion demonstrations.

Next, he was tested with some quick decision-making skills using “shoot don’t shoot” scenarios on the agency’s virtual firearms training system.

Finally, on his way back to the Emergency Vehicle Operations Center (EVOC), there was a bit of an unexpected excitement. While he and fellow officers attempted to make a mock traffic stop, the mock suspect vehicle fled and a pursuit ensued. After a half-mile “chase” the Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver was used successfully to apprehend the driver safely, but the passenger fled on foot. Fortunately, with the assistance of Fairfax One (the agency’s helicopter) and K9 Enzo, Officer Hopper aided in the capture of the dangerous suspect.

Once the situation calmed, Officer Hopper returned to the Fairfax County Criminal Justice Academy for a full facility tour to complete his workday.