GMU Professor, Alexandria Jeweler Lend a Hand to Injured Officer

When George Mason University Professor Karen L. Bune learned that Officer Peter Laboy of the Alexandria Police Department had been shot in the head in February 2013, she said it affected her greatly and she wanted to take action.

Bune, who teaches victimology to students at GMU, in the Department of Justice, Law and Society, said this week that she understood the impact of the crime and how it would affect Laboy and his family.

She mulled over an idea to create a badge pendant that people could wear around their necks to show support for Laboy and his family as well as his law enforcement colleagues, who were also deeply affected.

She envisioned the plates of the badge reading: “Motor 8” –for Laboy’s call sign — and “Superman” — for his favorite super hero. The idea stuck with her, but she realized she needed assistance to make it become a reality. She approached longtime friend Vicki Forness, the owner of B&C Jewelers, in Alexandria, and she told Vicki about her idea. Forness agreed to collaborate with her on the project, and they became partners in the fundraising effort.

Forness ordered the badges and engraved the pendants for free. It was agreed that all the proceeds from the badges, priced at $47.50 each, would go to the Laboy family. The fundraising effort was underway for almost 1 ½ years, and it culminated on Friday, when Bune and Forness presented a check to Laboy in the amount of $8,312.

“I feel really good about this,” Bune said. “It was my pleasure and privilege to create this idea to thank and honor Officer Laboy for his service and sacrifice and as a show of support by all who wear the pendants that we embrace him with support and that we truly care.”

“In a time when many now question the role and deeds of law enforcement, we remain Laboy Strong,” she added. “I extend a special thanks to Vicki Forness for her willingness to bring my idea to fruition.”

PHOTO (left to right): GMU Professor Karen Bune, Alexandria Police Officer Peter Laboy and B&C Jewelers owner Vicki Forness pose for a photo Friday at B&C Jewelers in Alexandria; photo courtesy of Karen Bune