Eric Barnes Named 2017 Police Officer of the Year – Helps Over 1,000 Alexandria Children Purchase City Pool Passes

Friends, family and professional colleagues were in attendance at the Alexandria Police headquarters on Wheeler Avenue on the morning of October 26 when Dr. Stephen Blood, Alexandria Kiwanis President, extolled the significant and impactful contributions made by Alexandria Police Officer Eric J. Barnes this year which resulted in his selection as the 2017 Police Officer of the Year.

Specifically, the commendation for Officer Barnes cited his exceptional efforts towards community engagement, and read, “Over the course of his career, Officer Barnes has constantly engaged and positively influenced the community…and frequently focuses on the most vulnerable, the children.”

Of particular note, Barnes took it upon himself this summer to solicit funds to purchase summer pool passes for less fortunate children in Alexandria who previously have been unable to use the City pools. The program made a significant difference and will now continue in perpetuity thanks to Officer Eric Barnes.