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Arlington law enforcement to be honored during National Police Week

A ceremony honoring fallen officers and a 5K race are coming to Arlington in coming days in honor of National Police Week.

The annual celebration of law enforcement officers, which often brings motorcades and busy hotels, is next week.

Additionally, this week, the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office is honoring its jail staff during Correctional Employees Week.

Police Week events

A ceremony in honor of Peace Officers Memorial Day is taking place in the Arlington County Justice Center’s plaza on Friday at 8 a.m. It commemorates the seven Arlington County law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty.

“This solemn ceremony is held each year ahead of National Police Week which recognizes those law enforcement officers throughout the United States who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others and provides support to their survivors,” a county press release says.

This year’s event also commemorates the 20th anniversary of the dedication of the Arlington County Peace Officer Memorial Statue, which is located in the Justice Center plaza.

The next day, Saturday, the National Police Week 5K is beginning at 9 a.m. The loop runs around the Pentagon by way of Washington Blvd, Richmond Highway and Army Navy Drive.

National Police Week 5K in Rosslyn in 2022 (via Diplomatic Security Service/Flickr)

A list of planned road closures is below.

From approximately 6:00 a.m. to noon

  • Army Navy Drive, from 12th Street S. to S. Eads Street
  • Southbound Route 110 ramp to Army Navy Drive

From approximately 8:30-9:30 a.m.

  • Army Navy Drive, from S. Eads Street to S. Joyce Street
    S. Joyce Street, from Army Navy Drive to Columbia Pike
  • Southgate Road, from S. Nash Street to Columbia Pike

From approximately 8:30-11:00 a.m.

  • S. Eads Street, from Army Navy Drive to 12th Street S.
  • 11th Street S., from S. Eads Street to Army Navy Drive
  • Columbia Pike, from S. Joyce Street to the Washington Boulevard Ramp
  • Southbound Washington Boulevard, from Memorial Circle to Columbia Pike
  • Southbound Route 110, from I-66 East and Wilson Blvd to Army Navy Drive / I-395 North ramp
  • Northbound I-395 ramp to Army Navy Drive (Exit 8C)
  • Ramp to Army Navy Drive from exit 8A / Arlington Ridge Road / Washington Blvd

People should expect to see more law enforcement activity in Arlington and elsewhere in the D.C. area as police agencies from around the country visit.

“An increased presence of police vehicles with activated emergency equipment around Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and nearby hotels is anticipated,” a press release says.

Sheriff’s office honors jail staff

The Arlington County Sheriff’s Office is also celebrating its correctional staff this week with events, shout-outs, special meals and a raffle for employees.

The theme of the week this year was “balance behind the badge,” with a focus on work-life balance. It has featured uplifting emails and talks from wellness coordinators, plus food trucks and donated Chick-Fil-A meals.

“National Correctional Employees Week is a time to honor the professionalism, resilience, and dedication of the men and women who work in corrections,” Sheriff Jose Quiroz said in a statement.

“This includes not only our deputies, but also the civilian staff and valued partners who play a vital role in maintaining safety, supporting rehabilitation, and ensuring dignity and respect for all individuals in our care,” he continued. “Their work often goes unseen, but its impact is profound — both inside our facility and throughout the community.”

Arlington County Sheriff’s Office staff National Correctional Employees week (courtesy of ACSO)

About the Author

  • Dan Egitto is an editor and reporter at ARLnow. Originally from Central Florida, he graduated from Duke University and previously reported at the Palatka Daily News in Florida and the Vallejo Times-Herald in California. Dan joined ARLnow in January 2024.