The Alexandria Chamber of Commerce will honor local first responders and community leaders at its Community Champions Honors event on May 22.
Inova Health System is presenting the ceremony, which will take place at Belle Haven Country Club from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
The Alexandria Fire Department’s Marine Operations Division will receive special recognition for its rescue and recovery efforts following a mid-air collision over the Potomac River in January 2025. Fire Chief Felipe Hernandez, Jr. will accept the award on behalf of the team.
Several individual first responders are slated to receive Community Champions Awards:
– Deputies Jaida Rose and Michael Spitzer of the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office for rescuing a driver and four crash victims, including children, while off-duty.
– Officers David Hiltz and Liam Reilly of the Alexandria Police Department for reviving an unresponsive newborn through CPR.
– A team from Alexandria Fire & Emergency Communications, including PSC Supervisor Autumn Harding, Captain Michael Malec, and Firefighters Nicolas Hicks, Zachary Liggett, and Christopher Yashin, for rescuing a pregnant woman hanging from her balcony.
The Chamber will also recognize outstanding community members in various fields:
– Sharon Phox of James K. Polk Elementary School as Educator of the Year.
– Esperita J. Bullard from the City of Alexandria’s Department of Community and Human Services as Government Employee of the Year.
– Jeffry Alberto of Tequila & Taco as Hospitality Employee of the Year.
– Dr. David Weintritt of the National Breast Center Foundation as Health Professional of the Year.
– Tesfaye Reta of Senior Services of Alexandria as Senior Provider of the Year.
– Heather Kerr of AlexRenew as Utility Employee of the Year.
Tickets for the event cost $65 for members and $75 for prospective members. Register here.
