Middleburg's new Chief of Police, A.J. Panebianco, formally announced the hiring of a new officer, Jay Hollins, effective July 12, 2012. Hollins will take the department's new "Oath of Honor" in the presence of the Mayor, Town Council, and members of the community he serves at the next formal meeting of Town Council. With Hollins' appointment Panebianco's four-man force returned to full strength, after being short one officer for only two days.

Hollins replaces long-serving Middleburg policeman Owen Heine, who resigned to take a position with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries effective July 10. Panebianco reported that Hollins was already "working nights, doing his field training" and that he seemed to fit in well. "I have heard some good things from a few folks so far," he said.

Asked about the new Oath of Honor, Panebianco told the Eccentric, "I think it's important to have the officers state their accountability to the public. That is why I like the oath…it says aloud what we expect of our officers."

Panebianco had high praise for the work of Senior Officer Mike Prince, and officers Tim Tharpe and Heather Fadely in June. The violent storm in late June brought out the best in the force and the town staff, he said, noting that he and the town could be "very proud" of all of them for "gutting it out and taking care of Middleburg." Town Administrator Martha Semmes and Council agreed unanimously. Officer Heather Fadely, he continued, deserved special recognition for "braving the elements to remove debris from the roads" as she stood watch "as the main storm hit."

In addition to its emergency duties, the Middleburg force responded to nearly 300 calls for service during the past month, conducted well over 50 foot patrols, and nearly 70 hands-on checks of local properties and business, "not counting" the field work done by the Chief himself. Panebianco and his officers have also been actively engaged in other community activities, over and above their official duties, including fundraisers and food collection for Seven Loaves. The force also worked closely with Town staff "to track down the address" of what Town Administrator Martha Semmes describes as "a major delinquent taxpayer." More than $4,000 in back real estate taxes and penalties were collected.

For more on the department, the Chief encourages everyone to visit its new web site: http://middleburgpolice.org