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Capital Area Theodore Roosevelt Police
Award
2005 Honoree: Second Lieutenant Randall Hargus
 The Capital Area Chapter of the TRA awarded its second annual Theodore Roosevelt Police Award on Wednesday, November 30, 2005 to Second Lieutenant Randall Hargus of the Fairfax County Virginia Police Department. The 12 p.m. ceremony took place at Spates Community Club Ballroom, Fort Myer, Virginia. Hargus was selected from a field of nominees from local, state and federal law enforcement agencies in the Washington, DC region.
Doug Hill, chief meteorologist on the local ABC television station (WJLA) served as master of ceremony. A former police officer, Hill spoke passionately about the dedication of law enforcement officers and the need to recognize the sacrifices of both the officers and their families.
Hill read the following citation about the circumstances that lead to Hargus's nomination and selection for the Theodore Roosevelt Police Award:
At around 10 pm on the snowy night of February 24, 2005, Fairfax County Police Department Second Lieutenant Randall Hargus stopped near the intersection of Richmond Highway and Memorial Street to aid a disabled motorist. After checking on the driver, Hargus returned to his cruiser to retrieve warning flares from the trunk. He looked for but didn't observe any oncoming traffic. Seconds later, Hargus's cruiser was hit from behind by a vehicle later estimated to be going approximately 45 miles per hour. The impact knocked Hargus over the top of his cruiser into a nearby gutter and sheared from knee to ankle the skin, muscle and connective tissue from his left leg, leaving his tibia completely exposed. Despite the gravity of his injury Hargus managed to call for assistance via radio. He also calmly attended his wound, which was bleeding profusely. At the time Hargus thought his law enforcement career was over. Second Lieutenant Hargus was hospitalized for 10 days and underwent two surgeries, including a skin graft to place healthy tissue from his thigh over the injured area. He rested at home for three weeks and then began a grueling physical therapy regimen to coax his leg back into proper functioning. At the time he was discharged from the hospital, estimates were that it would take six to nine months before he would be able to return to work. But according to his nurse rehabilitation specialist Hargus worked harder than anyone she had ever worked with and he returned to work on June 1, 2005, three months earlier than the best-case estimate. It was so early, his superior Captain Michael Kline contacted Hargus's therapists to confirm that he was ready physically and hadn't pushed for an ill-advised return.
In the aftermath of his injury --indeed, even while receiving emergency care-- Hargus was concerned that command of his new squad would be given to another supervisor while he was recovering. Hargus had only assumed his responsibilities about one month before the accident, but already the unit had come together under his leadership. During his recovery, squad members routinely visited and called him and since his return, the unit's morale and productivity have been high, according to Captain Kline.
Hargus was "thrilled to be able to go back to work and do what I like to do." The possibility of not returning to work "never entered my mind. That was an impossibility."
Norm Parsons came from New York to speak about the history of the Police Award, and he, along with Capital Area Chapter member Lieutenant Commander Kevin Brown, USCG, presented the award to Second Lieutenant Hargus.
Like other sites, the Capital Area Chapter award consists of a ribbon medal and commendation bar for the honored officer's uniform, a 10-inch bust of TR, and a cash prize of $1,000. Second Lieutenant Hargus's name also was engraved on a plaque that will be displayed at Fairfax County Police Department Headquarters for one year. He was selected from a field of nominees from federal, state and local law enforcement agencies in the Metropolitan Washington, DC area.
Fairfax County Chief of Police Colonel David M. Rohrer also recognized Hargus's dedication. Rohrer noted that nationally in the 10 years ended 2004, 143 law enforcement officers lost their lives after being struck by vehicles. Officers face this danger whether directing traffic, assisting disabled motorists, or performing traffic stops, a danger only exacerbated by drunk or impaired drivers. "It was, of course, a drunk driver who was at fault in Randy's case," he noted. In recognition of this ongoing risk Rohrer indicated that the International Association of Chiefs of Police recently initiated a campaign entitled, "Your Vest Won't Stop This Bullet" to enhance officer awareness, safety, and training.
In addition to thanking the Capital Area Chapter, Hargus particularly acknowledged the support he had received from the department during his hospitalization and rehabilitation.
In addition to family, friends and colleagues of Hargus, special guests at the ceremony included Chief Charlie T Deane of the Prince William County Police Department, Colonel Thomas Hutchins, superintendent of the Maryland State Police, and
Chuck Wexler, executive director of the Police Executive Research Forum.
The Chapter funded the award and ceremony through donations and is seeking a corporate sponsor for next year's event.
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