A Salute to APD Veteran's Serving Our Community
Sergeant E. Barnes
"It's not what happens to you, it's how you respond to challenges you face."
Years of military service: 23 years
Years of Alexandria Police Department (APD) service: 27 years
About his service: Barnes served in the U.S. Air Force Security Forces unit. He toured overseas and served in the Presidential Security Team at Andrews Air Force Base.
Point of service: During his last deployment in 1995 he worked in four different refugee camps. Barnes shared that while in the field, “I missed sleeping in my bed and being able to go to the store for chocolate almond ice cream the most!”
Today, Sgt. Barnes serves APD as a peer support team member. He’s available to support fellow officers through crises.
Why he enlisted: I felt I needed a new start, so I joined the U.S. Air Force.
Lesson he still carries: “Life is not so much what happens to you, it’s how you choose to respond to challenges and obstacles.”
Service summed up: Accountability. Dedication
About retirement: Barnes is due to retire from APD in December. He says what he's most looking forward to is spending more time cooking, honing his DJ skills, spending time with family, riding his motorcycle, and mastering things he started but never finished.
Lt. D. Goodrum
“The excitement of being a Marine fueled me, but it became about serving people and helping others make a better life for themselves.”
Years of military service: 4 years
Years of APD service: 28 years
About his service: Goodrum served as a Marine Corps Stinger Missile Gunner or Low Altitude Air Defense Gunner, providing surface-to-air fire support using Stinger Missiles. He was stationed in Cherry Point, NC, and later deployed to Cuba.
Why he enlisted: At age seven Goodrum knew he wanted to be a policeman and a marine, after all, they were “looking for a few good men” he says, about being swayed by the advertisement at the time. From there, he joined the United States Marine Corps and the rest is history for Marine Gunner Goodrum! “I wanted to be in a field where I could help people and becoming a police officer was it.”
Lesson he still carries: While deployed in Cuba, he was part of the processing team taking in rescued families who were fleeing from Haiti and Cuba. During his service, he talked with families who lost loved ones and were frantically trying to locate them. Goodrum says it was then that he knew he wanted to continue to help people.
What he learned: “That everyone has a story and not to take life and our freedom for granted.”
Officer D. Gray
“Being a kid and traveling overseas, you see just how blessed you are.”
Years of military service: 8 years
Years of APD service: 4 years
Why he enlisted: Gray was motivated by his Uncle Don, a U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) Veteran who survived a near-fatal wound in combat. His Uncle Don was a mentor and example to Gray.
About his service: Gray served as an Infantryman in the USMC during Desert Shield and Desert Storm. During Operation Continue Hope and Quick Draw in Somalia, he served as a spotter for a Scout Sniper.
After serving in the USMC, Gray served as a Police Officer with the Richmond Police and Tappahannock Police. Locally, Gray began with the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office (ASO) before joining the APD. He has served his local communities for nearly 20 years.
Lesson he still carries: Chance favors the prepared mind and body. Gray said, “In the Marine Corps they trained us to be prepared for whatever environment we were going into! As officers, we are equipped with tools and trained to know the policy, procedures, and law to do the job.”
What he learned: “During my service as a U. S. Marine, specifically my tours overseas, I saw just how blessed I am and how my life has a purpose. We need to slow down and reflect on the purpose of our lives.”
Impressionable moment: “Growing up, I saw how police officers were loved and respected”, Gray said. “When I was a kid, I remember a Henrico Police Officer coming to my birthday party. He let me play inside his police car, turning on the lights, using the loudspeaker, and having my picture taken.
To this day, I let kids play in my car whenever I can, and I always stop for photos. That moment at my birthday party made a big difference.”
Detective R. Hill
"The tragic events of 9/11 carried such emotional importance for me."
Years of military service: 4 years
Years of APD service: 12 years
About his service: Serving in Iraq as a U.S. Army Infantryman, he says he came close to death, by a foot here and a foot there. However, he understood that quitting was not an option.
Why he enlisted: The tragic events of 9/11 carried such personal emotional importance, much like what I imagine the attack on Pearl Harbor did for so many who came before me.
What he’s learned: You have to keep your sense of humor.
On joining APD: Being the son of Corporal Charles William Hill, a 13-year APD veteran who was killed in the line of duty (when Detective Hill was just four), he says, “My roots are here. Joining APD was a natural transition for me.”
Two words that describe your military experience: Excruciating and exciting.
What he loves to do: Spend time at the VFW with friends and working within the Alexandria community.
On serving in law enforcement: “It’s not an easy job, it takes a certain type of person, and you have to want it”, said Det. Hill.
Officer P. Hetzner
“To be a part of a U.S. Marine’s final destination, to lay them to rest, and make it an honorable day for the family, that is one of the most humbling experiences of all”.
Years of military service: 6 years
Years of APD service: 3 years
About his Service: Hetzner served as part of the highest caliber Ceremonial Marchers, who perform on firing parties that render honors to fallen Marines.
He was an infantry rifleman who participated in more than 200 funerals, wreath-laying ceremonies, and inaugurations.
Honorably discharged as Marine Sergeant Hetzner, he continues to serve as a Reservist to this day. Hetzner was the first in his family to serve in the military and law enforcement.
Point of service: Marine Sgt. Hetzner was chosen as part of the Dover Dignified Transfer Team that transfers the casket of every Marine killed in action overseas.
Why he enlisted: “I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself and to be a better person, that’s why I enlisted in USMC”
Lesson he still carries: “In stressful situations, you fall back on your training. That’s why continued training is so important,” Hetzner says. “Never stop learning. Always be a student.”
Why law enforcement: Every day is different at APD. I became an officer to help others in this community. “There’s nothing like helping a resident and feeling their gratitude.”
On Boot Camp: “The 13-week boot camp was challenging and required hard work,” said Marine Sgt. Hetzner. “By the end, you earn the title of ‘Marine.’ It makes you appreciate everything you have even more.”
Detective A. LaRusso
“Realizing the choice is mine whether I succeed or not, is profoundly freeing.”
Years of military service: 5 years
Years of APD service: 12 years
About his service: Stationed in Beaufort, South Carolina, he was a Marine weather/RADAR equipment technician.
Why he enlisted: At 29 years, LaRusso became a Marine, seeking change and fulfillment.
Lesson he still carries: “Details matter. Be attentive, whether in life, at work, or serving your country and community. All the information you need is right in front of you.”
Why serve at APD? “APD is truly diverse and open-minded. We are well trained and held accountable.” Detective LaRusso said. “It’s the ethos of this Department that makes this place unique to serve.”
Officer B. Maynard
“Learning the value of hard work has shaped my work ethic.”
Years of military service: 4 years
Years of APD service: 20 years
About his service: Enlisted in 1991, Maynard took part in the Delayed Entry Program his senior year of high school in New York. In 1992, in Fort Knox, KY, he reported for basic training and tank training and then was stationed at Fort Stewart, GA, with the 24th Infantry Division.
Maynard was honorably discharged from active duty and joined a tank company in Cortland, NY with the New York Army National Guard. Later he worked as a combat engineer unit in Oswego, NY with the US Army Reserves.
During his National Guard and reserve time, Maynard had the honor to serve with some fellow soldiers who were veterans of the Vietnam War.
Why he enlisted: Maynard says his desire for adventure prior to college played a role in his decision to join the U.S. Army, although he’s always had a heart to serve others. The incentive to go to college sure helped, though!
Lesson he still carries: “Serving in the military, I learned the value of hard work and it shaped my work ethic,” Maynard says. “This carried over into college and has served me well in law enforcement.”
What he learned: “I have no regrets, and I've worked with some great people here at APD.” He plans to retire from APD in five years.
Sergeant D. Minnix
“Hungry is hungry, no matter what part of the world you are in.”
Years of military service: 23 years
Years of APD service: 16 years
About his service: Germany was Minnix’s first duty post. Then he served in the Middle East off and on for 20 years.
Point of service: “The military saved me,” Minnix said. “It gave me an opportunity, pulling me out of a life of poverty. It made me better. I wouldn’t be here right now if it weren’t for the military. I am very appreciative and proud of my service.”
While in training at APD, Minnix was deployed twice to Iraq, once in 2006 and a second time in 2008, as part of the Virginia National Guard. Minnix says, “APD took care of me while I was deployed, holding my uniform. They made it seem like my service mattered.”
Why he enlisted: Minnix’ father was a U.S. Navy Veteran, and his grandfather was a World War II Veteran. His mom had a photo of his granddad on a tank in Africa that Minnix used to admire.
Lesson he still carries: “My military experience exposed me to different cultures, history, and people. I began to see that no matter what is going on, there is still a person there.”
About boot camp: “It’s an eye-opening experience! You learn about loyalty, dedication, and service.”
What he carries with him today: Minnix says, “Serving in a foreign country you try to build trust and buy-in through relationships. That’s what we do in law enforcement.”
A Legacy: When Minnix returned from his service, he spoke about a guy who helped him while he was deployed. He said this APD officer helped get the family car to the shop, and looked after his family while Minnix was in Iraq. When he returned, the man helped Minnix reintegrate into society. Minnix went on to say, “the Department held my APD uniform while I was gone, they really made me feel like I mattered.”
In 2010/2011 Minnix formalized the role of an APD military support officer. This role exists to support military veterans in their transition, providing a foundation for returning officers. He currently holds this role and supports his fellow service members.
Captain J. Newcomb
"I've mentored many young officers and I hope I continue to influence them."
Years of military service: 8 years
Years of APD service: 27 years
Point of service: He served in the USMC Reserves from 1989 to 1997, including Operation Desert Storm and Operation Desert Shield in the Gulf War. During the Gulf War, he was a heavy machine gunner, working on the front line in enemy territory. He says jokingly, “I had hair back then!”
Why he enlisted: Newcomb had a family that served including his grandad, uncle, cousins, and his twin brother.
On serving in law enforcement: Newcomb says he’s been a Field Training Officer (FTO) for nine years now and he has mentored many young officers. “I hope I can influence these officers through what I do.”
Acting Sergeant M. Raines
"Throughout my entire life, I have always wanted to feel connected to my community. This has been my motivation towards military service and police service."
Years of military service: 7 years
Years of APD service: 6 years
About his service: He served over 7 years on Active Duty with the US Army. Stationed in Hawaii, North Carolina, then the Pentagon and Fort Belvoir. During that time, he also deployed to Afghanistan in 2011.
Why he enlisted: Raines enlisted In the U.S. Army in 2009 while still in high school. Both of his grandfathers served during WWII. A culmination of their service, and his desire to serve our country in a time of war, motivated Raines to enlist.
Lessons he still carries: With APD, I have been able to apply my leadership experiences from the U.S. Army and Maryland National Guard. APD has been supportive of my time, and recently, has allowed me to serve in supervisory roles. I live in this community and serve as a residential officer in West Alexandria. Throughout my entire life, I have wanted to feel connected to my home. This has been my motivation towards military and police service.
Transition to APD: In 2017, Raines left Active Service, transitioning to the Maryland Army National Guard. Already living in the City, he admired what APD could offer, and was hired to be a police officer.
Since he transitioned to civilian law enforcement, Raines has served a number of activations with the National Guard from COVID-19 relief support to natural disaster and flood relief, and a deployment to Kosovo.
Point of service: During the COVID-19 pandemic, out of Raines’ 26 Soldier formation in Kosovo, 20 (including Raines) were quarantined for two weeks. He said, “Our mission could not stop. Soldiers stepped up in several ways to make our mission continue. The entire Kosovo Deployment from train-up to our return home was challenging in ways we did not expect in all aspects of life.”
About APD during deployment: Raines talks openly about his challenges transitioning to civilian life, saying, “The transition from the U.S. Army to the National Guard and civilian law enforcement was not easy. I slipped into depression, and isolation, and lost my community. I was in a place where I had no friends outside the military and was at the lowest point of my lifetime.
“After being hired by APD, a new life sprung into me. I come to work every day motivated, and enjoy working with my team members. APD leadership opportunities have pushed me to do more, and provided me with the confidence to excel. APD has been supportive of my Military Service and makes balancing my time with the National Guard easy. With over 14 years of total military service, I continue to serve as a First Sergeant with the Maryland Army National Guard while still having a very rewarding career with APD.”
As we reflect on the incredible sacrifices of those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, the APD is highlighting the inspiring stories of some of our law enforcement officers. Read more about their military service and their service to our community.