At its regular August meeting Mayor Betsy Davis and the entire Town Council praised Chief A. J Beniamino, his officers, town staff, and a host of volunteers and supporter for their outstanding work during Middleburg's August 7 celebration of "National Night Out," a community-building, crime and drug prevention event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch for the past 29 years.

Bundles Murdock, Council's Public Safety chair, credited Panebianco's "infectious enthusiasm" for making the evening "a huge success."

Designed to bring the town's police officers and the citizens they protect closer together, the evening featured fine food, equipment displays, representatives from neighboring law enforcement jurisdictions . . . and a dunking booth.

Town Administrator Martha Semmes, Officer Heather Fadely and the Chief himself were praised for their total "immersion" in the project, and their outstanding good humor, especially when wet.

Panebianco reiterated councils' thanks, and praised all his officers. In thanking Senior Officer Mike Prince and his son for their help, he told council that without Prince, he did not know how successful the event would have been.

New Officer Takes Oath of Honor

Chief Panebianco administered the Middleburg Police Department's new "Oath of Honor" on August 9 to Officer Jay Hollins.

Every officer upon formally joining the force is, of course, "sworn in" by the Clerk of the Loudoun County Circuit Court.

The "Oath of Honor," however, is a pledge of personal integrity and commitment, above and beyond the standard law enforcement officers' oath.