Helene M. Cassell

Helene Marie Cassell (1946 - ) was the first woman promoted to the rank of captain in the Fairfax County Police Department.

Cassell joined the department in 1972.[1]

Cassell was promoted to the rank of captain on November 19, 1984, in anticipation of becoming the commander of the Fair Oaks District Station.[1]

Along with Major M. Douglas Scott and Lieutenant Colonel David R. Franklin, Major Cassell was one of three finalists to become Chief of the Fairfax County Police Department in 1995 to replace Michael W. Young.[2]

Cassell announced her retirement from the department on October 30, 1998, after 26 years on the force.[3]

Personal

Cassell and her husband Rick adopted their pet child, an orphaned Salvadoran, Merritt, in 1983.[1] Merritt would eventually join the FCPD himself.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Fishman, Charles. "Fairfax Police Get First Woman Captain." The Washington Post (1974-Current file): 1. Nov 20 1984. ProQuest Historical Newspapers: The Washington Post (1877-1995). Web. 1 Oct. 2012.
  2. ↑ Lipton, Eric. "New Fairfax Police Chief Praised as a 'Cop's Cop'." The Washington Post (1974-Current file): 1. May 03 1995. ProQuest Historical Newspapers: The Washington Post (1877-1995). Web. 1 Oct. 2012.
  3. ↑ "Clerk's Board Summary: November 16, 1998." Fairfax County Clerk to the Board of Supervisors. Fairfax County, n.d. Web. 01 Oct. 2012.