BREAKING NEWS: Alexandria Police Chief Don Hayes Leaving Department After Four-Decade Career
ALEXANDRIA, VA-The City of Alexandria announced this morning (Jan. 29) that Police Chief Don Hayes is leaving the department to pursue a job at the federal level, effective Feb 9. He has been with the APD for more than 40 years and served as chief for the last two and a half.
“It’s been an honor to dedicate my life to this community,” he said. “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.”
His new assignment has not been made public.
Hayes joined the APD in March 1981. He attained the rank of sergeant in 1996. and was promoted to lieutenant three years later. Upon achieving the rank of captain in 2013, Hayes served as patrol commander. During that time, he also led the parking enforcement, traffic, special events, and community relations divisions. In 2019, he became Assistant Chief and oversaw all divisions. He became Chief in April 2022, having previously served as Acting Chief beginning in Dec. 2021.
With Hayes’ departure, Assistant Chief Raul Pedroso will serve as Interim Chief.
