Falls Church Detective To Receive International 40 Under 40 Award

FALLS CHURCH, VA — A detective from Falls Church will be receiving a "40 Under 40" International Association of the Chiefs of Police, selected from a competitive field of worldwide applicants. Det. Sgt. Rachel Henderson of the Falls Church Police Department will be presented with the award at a conference in October.

The "40 Under 40" award goes to individuals in law enforcement demonstrating "the qualities inherent in excellent law enforcement personnel: leadership, dedication, and spirit of service both on and off duty."

According to IACP, Henderson quickly became successful as a special weapons and tactical team member and Northern Virginia's first female sniper. One incident she responded to involved a man who was throwing gasoline in his home and threatening to start a fire while his elderly, disabled father was inside. Henderson and others were marksmen during a 30-hour barricade, allowing the father to be safely rescued.

Henderson is also an instructor with certifications in firearms, simunitions, electronic control devices, field training and more. She previously assisted Rape Aggression Defense classes to teach women how to defend themselves.

"It’s such an honor to receive this award," said Henderson in a statement. "Every day my colleagues and I present the best of the FCPD and the City of Falls Church in everything we do. We are a team committed to the safety of the community. I share this honor with them!"

The "40 Under 40" awards will be presented during IACP's conference in Chicago on Oct. 26-29.