The Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) has appointed Master Police Officer Emmilie Sanchez-Suarez as its new Asian Community Liaison, reinforcing its commitment to community connection during Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. This role aims to foster trust and cultural understanding within Fairfax County's diverse AAPI population.
Sanchez-Suarez, born in the Philippines and raised in Fairfax County, brings a deep personal connection to the community. She served eight years in the U.S. Army, including a deployment to Iraq, before joining the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Police Department and then FCPD in 2014. Her extensive experience includes patrol, community outreach, and instructing at the Criminal Justice Academy.
“This role is about building meaningful, lasting trust between the Fairfax County Police Department and the diverse Asian communities we serve,” said Sanchez-Suarez. She emphasized her goal to create open lines of communication where community members feel heard, respected, and safe to come forward with concerns or to connect.
Sanchez-Suarez highlighted that her work extends beyond outreach, focusing on understanding cultural perspectives and breaking down barriers to ensure policing reflects community needs. As a mother of three, she aims to strengthen partnerships, increase resource awareness, and foster unity, ensuring voices matter and safety is a shared priority.