ARLINGTON, VA - This morning, the Arlington Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual State of the County & Public Safety Awards, bringing together community and business leaders to reflect on Arlington's resilience, honor its public safety heroes, and confront the challenges shaping its future.

Sponsored by VHC Health, the event opened with State of the County remarks from Arlington County Board Chair Matt de Ferranti, who addressed the business community on the economic outlook for Arlington County and shared his reflections on governing.

Arlington Chamber Board Chair Bismah Ahmed, Arlington County Board Chair Matt de Ferranti, and Arlington Chamber President & CEO Kate Bates

A core theme of de Ferranti’s remarks was the importance of values in policy making; he stressed a key value of his own in helping the most vulnerable Arlingtonians. He spoke about his personal work recently helping a person experiencing homelessness, connecting this work with the investments made by the County into social services and public safety.

de Ferranti struck an optimistic tone despite a difficult national economic environment, pointing to tangible policy wins such as the County's Commercial Market Resiliency Initiative and the adaptive reuse of office buildings as evidence that Arlington is actively adjusting its real estate market to modern demand. He noted the impact of these policies on generating County tax revenue, tying these wins back to the County’s ability effectively investment in critical services that benefit residents. 

When discussing the recently adopted Arlington County Budget, de Ferranti returned to this theme by emphasizing that "our budget shows our values.” Acknowledging the difficult trade-offs made by the County Board, he stressed that his central priority for future budget cycles is that the County "should focus on those most in need here in Arlington."

Recognizing that difficulties in funding and economic growth may continue in the short-term, he added that he "still believes that our long-term future is bright.”

Following Chair de Ferranti's remarks and a Q&A, the event transitioned to the Public Safety Awards, presented by Megan Clarke of 7News/WJLA. The Awards honor public safety personnel and first responders who have exemplified extraordinary heroic actions and exceptional performance of their duties. Leadership of all respective departments submitted nominations, based on their performance over the past year, for honorees of the Meritorious Service, Life-Saving, Valor or Valor with Life-Saving Awards.

Arlington County Police Department Chief Andy Penn (far left) and Deputy Chief Wayne Vincent (far right) with Arlington County Police Department Public Safety Award recipients

2026 Public Safety Award honorees:

Arlington County Department of Public Safety Communications

and Emergency Management

Meritorious Service Award

Emergency Management Team led by John Paras

Life-Saving Award

Supervisor Ryan Scarzella

Arlington County Fire Department

Meritorious Service Award

Fire Training Academy led by Battalion Fire Chief Justin Tirelli & Captain II Ben O'Bryant

Valor with Life-Saving Award

Battalion Chief John Snider

Firefighter John Duggan

Firefighter Brandon Porter

Arlington County Police Department

Meritorious Service Award

Community Action Team led by Sergeant Ashely Barnickle

Life-Saving Award

Corporal Jason Pardee

Corporal John Craig

Corporal Kristina Mulrooney

Officer Marc Landicho

Officer Zachary Hackfeld

Officer Trevor Wright

Valor Award

Sergeant Mark Francis

Corporal Robert Stanley

Arlington County Sheriff's Office

Meritorious Service Award

Rosslyn Howard

ABOUT THE CHAMBER

Founded in 1924, the Arlington Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit membership organization of more than 650 businesses that cultivates connections, shapes policies, and empowers Arlington’s economic future. The Chamber supports our members through networking, advocacy, professional development, and community engagement. For more information or to become a member, visit www.arlingtonchamber.org.