Former Alexandria Sheriff Dana Lawhorne speaks at a retirement ceremony in his honor at First Baptist Church of Alexandria, April 5, 2022. (staff photo by James Cullum)
Alexandria Sheriff Sean Casey speaks at a retirement ceremony for his predecessor, former Sheriff Dana Lawhorne. (staff photo by James Cullum)
Alexandria Undersheriff Tim Gleeson speaks at a retirement ceremony for former Alexandria Sheriff Dana Lawhorne, April 5, 2022. (staff photo by James Cullum)
(L-R) Alexandria Vice Mayor Amy Jackson, Council member Alyia Gaskins and acting Police Chief Don Hayes at a retirement ceremony for former Alexandria Sheriff Dana Lawhorne, April 5, 2022. (staff photo by James Cullum)
Federal Circuit Court Judge Michael Nachmanoff speaks at a retirement ceremony for former Alexandria Sheriff Dana Lawhorne, April 5, 2022. (staff photo by James Cullum)
Falls Church Police Department Chief Mary Gavin speaks at a retirement ceremony for former Alexandria Sheriff Dana Lawhorne, April 5, 2022 (staff photo by James Cullum)
William E. Lawhorne expresses appreciation to his uncle, former Alexandria Sheriff Dana Lawhorne, at the latter’s retirement ceremony on April 5, 2022. (staff photo by James Cullum)
Gayle Reuter of the Del Ray Business Association speaks at a retirement ceremony for former Alexandria Sheriff Dana Lawhorne, April 5, 2022. (staff photo by James Cullum)
Former Commonwealth’s Attorney Randy Sengel speaks at a retirement ceremony for former Alexandria Sheriff Dana Lawhorne, April 5, 2022. (staff photo by James Cullum)
Retired Deputy Sergeant Candra Callicott of the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office speaks about her former boss, Dana lawhorne, April 5, 2022. (staff photo by James Cullum)
Mallory Lawhorne speaks at the retirement ceremony of her father, former Alexandria Sheriff Dana Lawhorne, April 5, 2022. (staff photo by James Cullum)
Linda and Dana Lawhorne at a retirement ceremony for the former Sheriff, April 5, 2022. (staff photo by James Cullum)
There were a few tears and lots of laughs as former Alexandria Sheriff Dana Lawhorne was honored for his career in law enforcement on April 5 (Tuesday).
“I do not know where I would be without the kindness of others,” Lawhorne told friends, family and former law enforcement colleagues packed in Fellowship Hall at the First baptist Church of Alexandria (2932 King Street).
Lawhorne was recognized for his sense of humor and ability to connect with others. He was Sheriff for 16 years (four terms) and an Alexandria Police officer for 27 years.
“Dana, your service in exercising the power with which you were entrusted leads to the conclusion that your character is beyond reproach,” former Commonwealth’s Attorney Randy Sengel said. “It blessed many lives, and I think will stand the test of time as one of the most generous gifts that the city has ever seen.”
Mallory Lawhorne thanked her father for his years of service, and said that it was hard on her family to see Lawhorne hang up his badge.
“The thought of no longer seeing him go to work every day and come home, put his uniform on every day, it’s just it was kind of thinkable,” Mallory Lawhorne said. “He’s been retired since January, I think he’s definitely more than proven that he’s not going anywhere. He’s keeping himself busy. He’s still around. He’s keeping himself in everyone’s lives.”
Reporter James Cullum has spent nearly 20 years covering Northern Virginia. He began working with ALXnow in 2020, and has covered every story under the sun for the publication, from investigative stories to features and photo galleries. His work includes coverage of national and international situations, as well as from the White House, Capitol, Pentagon, Supreme Court and State Department. He's covered protests and riots throughout the U.S. (including the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol), in addition to earthquake-ridden Haiti, Western Sahara in North Africa and war-torn South Sudan. He has photographed presidents and other world leaders, celebrities and famous musicians, and excels under pressure.
