County Board Chair Libby Garvey Addresses the State of Arlington County, Local Heroes Honored

ARLINGTON, VA - On June 25, the Arlington Chamber of Commerce held the State of the County & Public Safety Awards, highlighting the opportunities and challenges facing Arlington while recognizing those who make Arlington a great place to live, work, and do business.

Sponsored by Crown Castle, the event featured an address from Arlington County Board Chair Libby Garvey highlighting Arlington's economic status. The Chamber then honored public safety personnel and first responders from Arlington County's Police Department, Fire Department, Department of Public Safety Communications and Emergency Management, and Sheriff's Office who have exemplified heroic actions and exceptional performance of their duties.

In her State of the County address, County Board Chair Libby Garvey stated that the State of the County is good, while emphasizing that Arlington still faces significant challenges on issues like office vacancy and childcare affordability, noting the need for the County to be committed to finding solutions.

In the Question & Answer portion of the program, Garvey also emphasized effective communication between the County and the residents and businesses of Arlington. She pointed to existing successes in public engagement, such as a weekly Inside Arlington newsletter with 130,000 subscribers, and proactive engagement with the public at pop-up events in community spaces. Garvey did note that more can be done. "We have to figure out how to break through the background noise," said Garvey.

Following the address, the Public Safety awards were presented to Arlington County's public safety personnel and first responders by 7News/WJLA Health and Wellness reporter Victoria Sanchez. Honorees were recognized for their courageous and often life-saving actions in the line of duty and beyond. Leadership of all respective departments submitted nominations for the honorees, based on their performance over the past year.

A special Valor with Life-Saving award was also presented to the Police Department, Fire Department, and Department of Public Safety Communications and Emergency Management for their response to the explosion of a house in Arlington on December 4, 2023. The first responders worked hard to resolve this incident safely and mitigated as many potential risks as possible. Remarkably, none of the first responders had to be hospitalized following the explosion.

Police Department, Fire Department, and the Department of Public Safety Communications and Emergency Management presented with the special Valor with Life-Saving Award

The 2024 Public Safety Award honorees are:

Arlington County Department of Public Safety Communications

and Emergency Management

Meritorious Service Award

ECC Administrator Jacob (Jake) Saur

Arlington County Police Department

Meritorious Service Award

Sergeant Frank Cicholski

Valor Award

Corporal Tatiana Hernandez

Arlington County Office of the Sheriff

Meritorious Service Award

Major Jimmie Barrett

Life-Saving Award

Corporal Jun Gan

Corporal Lucas Garrison

Arlington County Fire Department

Life-Saving Award

Captain I Paul Harrison

Lieutenant Michael Harris

Firefighter/Paramedic Matthew Jackson

Firefighter/Paramedic Akira Kanesaka

Firefighter Jaleel Davis

Firefighter Isaiah Gustkey

Firefighter Aaron Strums

ABOUT THE CHAMBER

Founded in 1924, the Arlington Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit membership organization of more than 650 businesses committed to strengthening businesses and the economic environment for those who work, live, and do business in Arlington. 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.