A photo montage of retiring Chief Don Hayes and his more than four decades of service to the Alexandria police department.
Mayor Justin Wilson, right, presents former Chief of Police Don Hayes with a proclamation celebrating Hayes’ more than four decades of service to the city.“It’s been an honor to dedicate my life to this community.”
— Former Chief of Police Don Hayes
Former Chief of Police Don Hayes, who served for more than four decades with the Alexandria Police Department, was honored Feb. 29 at First Baptist Church of Alexandria as well wishers gathered to celebrate his retirement from the APD to take a position as chief of the law enforcement unit at the Federal Reserve Board in Washington.
“It’s been an honor to dedicate my life to this community,” Hayes said when his retirement was announced in early February. “I truly believe there is no greater calling than to serve on behalf of the people. Doing so alongside the men and women of this department for the past four decades has been my greatest accomplishment.”
Former APD chiefs David Baker and Earl Cook were among those attending the event, as was former Deputy City Manager Debra Collins. Sheriff Sean Casey and retired Sheriff Dana Lawhorn were also in attendance.
Hayes joined the Alexandria Police Department in March of 1981 and achieved the rank of sergeant in 1996, overseeing the community-oriented policing and internal investigations sections.
In 1999, Hayes was promoted to lieutenant and led the special operations, information services, and public services divisions. He was promoted to captain in 2013 and served as patrol commander, in addition to heading the parking enforcement, traffic, special events, and community relations divisions.
Hayes was promoted to assistant chief in 2019, named acting chief in December of 2021, and made Chief in April 2022.
In addition to his new position, Hayes also preaches at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Arlington.
Assistant Chief Raul Pedroso is currently serving as Interim Chief.