Gerry vs. the Police

One of the most underreported parts of the Gerry Connolly Hit and Run story is what happened with the Fairfax police after they dared charge Connolly.

After the Hit and Run on Friday, police with the license plate in hand, went over to Gerry's house Saturday morning.  In the Hit and Run stories, you will notice Gerry always talking about how he "found" the dent on Saturday.  By "found" he means after the police knocked on his door asking about it.

At the same time this was going on Fairfax was going through a search for a new Chief of Police.  When the outgoing Chief left, he recommended Suzanne Devlin to be acting Chief during the search.  Suzanne was a well respected officer, and had overwhelming support to take over the department internally.  However, sources tell me Devlin refused to treat Connolly any different during the Hit and Run investigation which left Gerry absolutely livid.  Gerry began a big push to interview those outside the department as the hit and run case was proceeding- as you can see from this link.

While Acting Chief, Suzanne was also getting Gerry's ire for her outstanding press.  She was even featured in the Washington Post for taking down a male attacker twice her size at Dulles Airport.

But at the end of the day in Fairfax, qualifications don't mean anything when Gerry Connolly is angry that he was charged with a crime. Suzanne was passed over for the position. 

Most important- Gerry did NOT recuse himself from selecting a new Police Chief while he was facing criminal charges that the police recommended.  But the Fairfax Police learned a valuable lesson- not everyone is equal under the law in Fairfax County.  And this wasn't the last time that Fairfax Police have been penalized for daring to think so... more on that later.

(Gerry Sucks, Part 48)

Comments

[CarolineProgressive]

Ok, NOW you've got me more interested in this "Gerry Sucks" Series. This is much more interesting that parts 20 through 40 or so.

Ben...your sources are made up in your head...stop this. Why doesn't Byrne have the balls to comment on all of this crap attacking?

[Andy]

I've never read that story before... it's pretty remarkable. You'd think that would've locked up the job for her... you'd think...

[Sam]

12:34 - Some of Ben's "sources" may be suspect in other cases, but I don't know if you actually read this post but this is all public information here.... No "sources" necessary, just look it up.

But I suppose that would be typical from a Connolly man, blame the messanger and ignore the message...

Sam: Ok, bright guy, what's the source for this statement:

"However, sources tell me Devlin refused to treat Connolly any different during the Hit and Run investigation which left Gerry absolutely livid."

Those are Ben's words. That's not public information. That's innuedo made up in his head or implied or who knows what. You can't just toss crap out here. Well, it is this blog, so maybe you can...it's crap blog now.

[Questions Questions]

So despite passing over Devlin for this promotion after the hit and run, you still voted for Connolly in 2007? Why didn't it matter then?

[Veritas]

I have defended Gerry from some senseless crap on here before but I hear the same thing about Devlin being passed over due to the hit and run.

God I will be happy when this primary ends so we no longer have to deal with 1000 part series on Gerry.

[Sam]

12:59 - source is unnecessary. Devlin DIDN'T give Gerry any special treatment. It may not be as public knowledge as everything else, but a LOT of people knew he was livid about it.

I just wish we had a chairman that didn't have so many issues that can be cited as to why he sucks.

Gerry is well known as an abrasive and sometimes abusive politico who thinks that he deserves special treatment. He switches stances on major issues (Tyson's Tunnel) and takes huge contributions from people/companies when he'll be voting on issues directly affecting them.

The sad fact is that this list could (and might I guess) continue into the 100's without reaching the end of the shady and/or improper actions of our beloved Chairman. That's not Ben's fault... that's Gerry's fault. He lives in a glass house and is involved in the stone-heaving world of politics. Its about time someone called him out for a lot of these things

I'm not a Leslie Byrne supporter, but I'm glad that there is an alternative to Gerry this time around.

[Not Jack Herrity]

Ben, you might not be aware that Devlin had a poor management record that prevented her from being tapped by the BOS for the top job. I think she even filed a lawsuit against the County at one point. Just because you can tackle a perp doesn't mean you should be chief. At any rate, the entire BOS pretty much agreed she was a good Major but would not be the best Chief. It's also worth noting that Chief Rohrer, who was chosen over Devlin, was an internal hire.

Also, the BOS traditionally does a nationwide search for all positions at the department head level. It's a matter of policy to make sure they are finding the best candidate.

Also, just because they put Devlin in the "acting" position doesn't mean it's because they are going to pick her. Tony Griffin made Wheatley "acting chief" a few years ago at Fire and Rescue and they ended up choosing Mike Neuhard over him. Sometimes things just happen that way.

To sum up: Connolly may have been livid over this, but he is only one vote. The connection on this is tenuous at best.

NJH

I doubt that her promotion would have been supported by the rank and file as she was never a street cop. She came to the police as a game warden, or soemthing. She also had to sue the county for two of her promotions.