[Archived] Alexandria Sheriff’s Office Wins First Place, Best Dressed at Regional Honor Guard Competition

The Alexandria Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard took top honors at the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments annual honor guard competition on Saturday, May 4. The team finished in first place in the drill competition and was also named best dressed.

The competition took place immediately following the annual wreath laying ceremony at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial hosted by COG’s Correctional Chiefs Committee to mark the beginning of National Correctional Officers and Employees Week which runs from Sunday, May 5 through Saturday, May 11.

Members of the U.S. Army Continental Color Guard judged the drill competition, now in its 22nd year, and evaluated the uniforms of five area teams who participated this year. This year marks the first time since 2004 that the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office competed and the first time ever placing first in the competition.

Sheriff Dana Lawhorne said, “Our team has been training hard and their investment paid off on Saturday. Seeing them compete with such precision, with the flags blowing in the breeze, was a beautiful sight.”

The Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard has 18 members who perform at ceremonial functions, march in parades, participate in memorial events, and officially represent the Sheriff Office at special occasions. The Honor Guard is commanded by Captain Dottie Pope; Sergeant Joseph Pankey serves as Assistant Commander.

For more information, contact Amy Bertsch at 703.746.5014.

Photo: (l-r) Captain Dottie Pope, Deputy Ernesto Arroyo, Deputy Quentin Wade, Deputy Joseph Runquist, Deputy Wakeatin Carter, Deputy Brian Wade, Deputy Juan Guzman and Sheriff Dana Lawhorne.