Alexandria NewsCommunity NewsLOCAL News

Alexandria Police Foundation Hosts Annual Holiday Luncheon for Officers

Group of people and red tablecloth filled with Christmas decorations and means in front of them.
New Alexandria Police Chief Tarrick McGuire joins officers, board members of the Alexandria Police Foundation, and volunteers at the foundation’s annual holiday luncheon. The event brought together the department for a festive celebration and camaraderie. Photo by Eliza Nela

ALEXANDRIA, VA – The Alexandria Police Foundation recently hosted its annual holiday luncheon, bringing together members of the Alexandria Police Department for a festive gathering. Held at the Alexandria Police Department from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM, the event was designed to accommodate all three shifts of officers, both on-duty and off-duty, offering a rare opportunity for camaraderie and connection.

Sweet Fire Donna’s catered the event, providing a delicious spread for the officers and their families. Volunteers from the Police Foundation, including board members and the spouses of officers, served food and helped with decorations, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere for everyone involved. It was also a chance for officers to meet Alexandria’s new Police Chief, Tarrick McGuire, in a relaxed, informal setting.

Group of people around a Christmas-decorated table with meals
Volunteers serve food catered by Sweet Fire Donna’s. Photo by Eliza Nela

Charlotte Hall, a board member of the Alexandria Police Foundation, spoke about the importance of such events. “It’s a great opportunity for the officers to bond off duty,” she said. “I see these officers on the streets, and I also work with them through my role as president of the Old Town Business Association, ensuring safety at local events on King and Union Streets.”

The Police Foundation holds two major fundraisers each year, and Sweet Fire Donna’s generously caters the pre-cocktail hour for both. All proceeds from these events support the foundation’s efforts to enhance the work of the Alexandria Police Department.
People talking in a large room with Christmas decorations
 Alexandria police officers and volunteers mingle and swap stories at the Alexandria Police Foundation’s annual holiday luncheon, enjoying a festive atmosphere and camaraderie. Photo by Eliza Nela
Four police officers smile for camera
Officers taking a break from their shift, exchanging banter with colleagues at the luncheon. Photo by Eliza Nela

Hall, who has also been involved with Alexandria’s sightseeing and private tour boats, reflected on the close partnership between the police and local businesses. “For years, I worked with the police to coordinate the unloading and loading of coaches for school field trips, and their help was invaluable,” she said. “It’s these kinds of partnerships that keep our community safe and strong.”

People in a large room talking around a tables decorated with red tablecloths.
Police Chief Tarrick McGuire, freshly sworn in, takes the opportunity to connect with his new community at the Alexandria Police Foundation’s holiday luncheon. Already embracing his role, Chief McGuire looks forward to a bright future in Alexandria. Photo by Eliza Nela
A Christmas tree and decorated scene
Decorations put together by the volunteers. Photo by Eliza Nela

The Alexandria Police Foundation’s holiday luncheon serves as a reminder of the vital connection between the police force and the community it serves. It was a moment for officers to relax, reflect on the year, and strengthen bonds with one another and the people they protect.

 

Eliza Nela

Eliza Nela is a British/American writer. She is currently a freelance reporter at Zebra Press. Eliza studied Social Sciences at Kensington and Chelsea College, and went on to earn her Bachelors in Psychology at the University of Kent in Canterbury England. She recently graduated from The University of Cambridge, earning her Masters degree in Creative Writing.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Back to top button