Frank Stecco Among Fallen Officers to be Honored Thursday

Second Lieutenant Frank Stecco, who drowned in a training accident at Lorton's Pohick Bay Regional Park in 2008, will be honored along with five other fallen Fairfax County Police officers on Thursday. The Fairfax County Police Department will conduct a memorial service at the Public Safety Rose Garden (in the rear of the Massey Building at 4100 Chain Bridge Road) at noon. 

Stecco, 42, was a 19-year veteran of the force and was assigned to the Youth Services Division. He died participating in a helicopter water rescue training accident on Oct. 25, 2008. He played the role of the victim in the exercise and wore only a dry suit. Stecco did not resurface and after an extensive search was found 100 feet away. He was survived by his wife and three children. 

The other officers to be honored are:  

• Detective Vicky Armel and MPO Michael Garbarino, who were killed when a gunman opened fire at the Sully District Station on May 8, 2006. 
• Captain Tommy Bernal, who was killed in a motorcycle accident during a training exercise on June 28, 2001. 
• Special Officer Hendrick “Sandy” Gideonse, who was killed on-duty in a car crash on December 3, 1998.  
• Officer Karen Bassford, who was killed in a car crash while responding to a burglary call on July 27, 1977.

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