HJ656: Commending Murray Jay Farr.


HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 656
Offered January 29, 2021
Commending Murray Jay Farr.
Patrons-- Hope, Levine and Sullivan; Senators: Ebbin, Favola and Howell

WHEREAS, on September 4, 2020, Murray Jay Farr retired as chief of the Arlington County Police Department after three decades of service to the community; and

WHEREAS, prior to joining the Arlington County Police Department, Jay Farr served his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps and was assigned to Marine Helicopter Squadron 1, which is responsible for transportation of the president and other government officials; and

WHEREAS, Jay Farr began his law-enforcement career with the City of Falls Church Police Department, served with the United States Department of Interior and the United States Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and subsequently transferred to the Arlington County Police Department in 1990; and

WHEREAS, throughout his career, Jay Farr held numerous positions within the Arlington County Police Department, including deputy chief of police for systems management, operations, and criminal investigations, and he was selected as chief of police in 2015; and

WHEREAS, during his tenure as chief, Jay Farr ably addressed challenges related to population growth, recruitment, and budgeting to help the Arlington County Police Department fulfill its mission to serve and protect the community and become one of the most respected departments in the region; and

WHEREAS, under Jay Farr’s leadership, the Arlington County Police Department maintained a focus on community policing and developed strong relationships with local residents and businesses; he oversaw the creation of the Arlington Restaurant Initiative to increase safety at local nightlife and entertainment venues; and

WHEREAS, Jay Farr has offered his leadership and expertise as acting deputy county manager for Arlington County and as chair of the police chief committee of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments; and

WHEREAS, Jay Farr holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from George Mason University and has participated in numerous other advanced educational programs; he has inspired countless students as an adjunct professor at his alma mater, specializing in criminal justice and emergency management courses; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Murray Jay Farr on the occasion of his retirement as chief of the Arlington County Police Department; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Murray Jay Farr as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for his years of outstanding service to the residents of Arlington County.