September 24, 2019

Fairfax County Sheriff Stacey Kincaid presented her agency’s highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award, to Lt. Colonel Kevin Andariese, a 25-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office.

“His professionalism, reliability, determination and creativity make him a great example for other deputies to follow,” said Kincaid. “In addition, he is a selfless volunteer who believes in giving back to the communities we serve.”

In his early years as a deputy sheriff, Andariese worked in the Adult Detention Center and became a field training instructor, coaching new deputies in jail operations. Later he was assigned to the Sheriff’s Office Emergency Response Team (SERT) and also the Street Crimes Unit of the Fairfax County Police Department, where he was awarded the Silver Medal of Valor. His outstanding performance in both earned him a spot on the county’s Joint Fugitive Task Force, where he was responsible for serving outstanding warrants and transporting fugitives.

In 2001, as a team leader for SERT, Andariese was actively involved in security planning and operations for the inauguration of President George W. Bush. That same year he assisted in the aftermath of the Pentagon 9/11 terrorist attack. He also volunteered on his own time to respond to New York City and assist in the bucket brigade in the days following the attack.

His additional volunteer activities include delivering meals to older adults in Chantilly through Meals-on-Wheels and engaging with underserved children through a Volunteer Fairfax program known as "A visit from St. Nick."

As a sergeant assigned to the Community Labor Force (CLF), Andariese creatively used technology to promote the CLF and expand its scope of work within Fairfax County. The CLF consists of well-screened offenders who provide necessary services to the county that were previously done by county staff or contractors. The CLF program saves county taxpayers over $1 million each year. In addition, it lets inmates use the skills they already have but also acquire many more skills to increase their employability. The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce recognized Andariese with a Citizenship Award for his outstanding work with the CLF.

During his tenure as chief of courthouse security and civil enforcement, Andariese took command of a barricade situation. His calm demeanor and clear instructions ensured deputies remained safe during the incident.

Throughout his career, Andariese has played a key role in the development and launch of several technology initiatives, including an inmate records management system and an electronic health records system.

Andariese is the recipient of over 100 letters of appreciation from stakeholders in and around the county. When Sheriff Kincaid was elected in 2013, she promoted Andariese to the rank of lieutenant colonel, the highest deputy sheriff rank in the agency. “Kevin has had a long and productive career in support of the Sheriff’s Office,” said Kincaid. “It has been a privilege to serve with him.”

Lt. Colonel Kevin Andariese will retire in October 2019. “Working for the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office is more than a job. When you join this team, you become part of a family, something bigger than yourself. Twenty-five years is a long time; however, now that it’s coming to an end, I look back and think it went by in a flash. I will always treasure having worked with the men and women of this great agency.”