Alexandria Sheriff’s Office Deputy Ashley Battle, third from right, poses for a photo after being presented with the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award March 11 at the American Legion Post 24. Joining Battle are (l-r): Sheriff Dana Lawhorne, Captain Lynn Oliver, Post 24 Commander Henry Dorton, Chief Deputy Candra Callicott and Sergeant Gregory Perez. Photo by John Bordner/Gazette Packet
Alexandria Firefighter-Paramedic David Fox, Alexandria Sheriff’s Office Deputy Ashley Battle, and Senior Conservation Police Officer Richard Landers were honored as the 2019 Law Enforcement Officers of the Year March 11 by the American Legion Post 24 in Old Town. The public safety veterans were recognized for their service to the community as part of the American Legion’s Homeland Security Support Program.
“Tonight, we are honoring three outstanding public safety officers,” said Mike Mixon, chair of the American Legion’s HSSP program. “One from the Alexandria Fire Department, one from the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office, and one from the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries whose jurisdiction includes the City of Alexandria. It is truly a pleasure to recognize and honor these outstanding law enforcement officers.”
In presenting the citation to Fox, Mixon noted his 18-year career as a City of Alexandria Firefighter-Paramedic. Fox has been instrumental in managing and operating the Fire Department’s Simulation Lab which provides life-like scenarios for training first responders to properly mitigate medical emergencies.
Sheriff Dana Lawhorne was on hand to congratulate Battle, a three-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office. Battle also serves on the ASO Emergency Response Team, which is a select group of deputies trained to respond to and handle high risk cell extractions, and to provide safe, effective and efficient assistance in maintaining or restoring order in the Detention Center. Battle is the third female in the history of the Sheriff’s Office chosen to serve in this capacity.
Landers is a 15-year veteran serving as a Senior Conservation Police officer. In this capacity, he has sought ways to make enforcing laws more consistent and community oriented. Landers has also authored several Standard Operating Procedures in support of the Department’s commitment to best management practices. He serves on the Office of Professional Services Advisory Council as an advisor and advocate for various professional standards initiatives.
“These outstanding public safety professionals represent the dedicated men and women serving within our area’s public safety agencies,” said Post 24 Commander Henry Dorton. “We cannot thank them enough for what they do to keep our community safe and secure and we appreciate this opportunity to honor and recognize them.”
According to Mixon, the Post 24 HSSP was established in 2014 to raise awareness of and promote volunteer service to local homeland security affiliated organizations.
“On an annual basis, the Post 24 HSSP also recognizes outstanding public safety officers who serve our community,” Mixon said. “We salute you and thank you for your superb service to our community. You represent the very best in our city.”