Two deputy sheriffs were among those recognized by the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce at its annual Community Champions Honors. The ceremony, held May 22 at Belle Haven Country Club, honored 18 members of Alexandria’s workforce, both in the public and private sectors. 

The program featured the Combined Alexandria Public Safety Honor Guard presenting the colors and City employee Charles Davis singing the national anthem. Mayor Alyia Gaskins and Dr. Rina Bansal, President of Inova Alexandria Hospital, both provided brief remarks expressing their sincere thanks for the dedication of staff at the agencies and organizations who serve our community.

Deputy Rose and Deputy Spitzer both received life saving awards for their response, while off-duty, to a crash along the Beltway involving an overturned pick-up truck with children inside. The deputies were driving separately and on their way to work at the Adult Detention Center when they stopped to assist at the crash scene. Deputy Rose had witnessed the vehicle being operated in a reckless manner moments before the crash occurred. She immediately stopped to render aid, and Deputy Spitzer soon came upon the scene and stopped to assist in rescue efforts. After safely removing victims from the truck, the deputies also had to protect them from passing traffic. Thankfully, no one was critically injured, and medics and troopers soon arrived.

Sheriff Sean Casey joined Mayor Gaskins and Chamber President Joe Haggerty in presenting Deputy Rose and Deputy Spitzer with certificates at the awards program. Sheriff Casey extends his congratulations to both deputies and to the other honorees who have made Alexandria a better community for all.

Below: (l-r) Chamber President Joe Haggerty, Mayor Alyia Gaskins, Sheriff Sean Casey, Deputy Rose and Deputy Spitzer