Some public-safety heroes walk on two legs while others walk on four, Sheriff Jose Quiroz noted as Arlington County Crime Solvers saluted the 13 K9 teams serving with local agencies.
Each of the dogs and their handlers at the Arlington County Police Department and Arlington County Sheriff’s Office have received specialized training to meet a range of challenges in an urban environment. As such, they are collectively deserving of the “Officer of the Year” award, Crime Solvers president Andres Tobar said.
The sheriff’s office is home to three K9 teams: Cpl. Matthew Camardi and Logan; Cpl. Kevin McCabe and Weaver; and Cpl. Ewelina Zajkowski and Hope.
Logan and Weaver have received specialized training related to explosives, electronics and drug detection. Hope is the office’s wellness ambassador, helping to reduce stress and promote mental well-being among staff, detainees and the community.
“Safety is not only about enforcement — it’s about compassion,” Quiroz said at the luncheon, held at Busboys & Poets in Shirlington.
The police department has 10 K9 teams, four of which focus on explosives detection and six of which patrol units that have been cross-trained in either firearms or narcotics detection.
Their efforts help to enhance law-enforcement capabilities, Penn said.
Local police K9 teams go through 16 months of training followed by four weeks of specialized detection training. They continue to receive regular updated training throughout their careers, Penn said.
ACPD provides training not only for dogs in Arlington, but for those destined for roles in other jurisdictions, such as Loudoun County.
WATCH : From tracking suspects to detecting explosives, Master Police Officer Stanley provides an overview of ACPD’s K-9 Unit and highlights the specialized skills and unique capabilities of our department’s four-legged partners on patrol. pic.twitter.com/gdKPrTfvYk
— ArlingtonCountyPD (@ArlingtonVaPD) October 2, 2025
The Oct. 9 luncheon marked the end of Tobar’s 15-year tenure as president of Crime Solvers. He took over from former Arlington Chamber of Commerce president Rich Doud.
“We wish him some well-deserved rest and relaxation,” said Dulce Carrillo of Arlington Public Schools, who emceed the program.
While no successor has been named, Tobar said there were a number of qualified individuals serving on the organization’s board.
“I’m delighted with the talent that has stepped up,” he said.
Arlington County Crime Solvers offers the public an opportunity to provide anonymous information about criminal activity at (866) 411-TIPS or online. The organization also works to bridge any divides between public safety and the community.
Tobar serves as executive director of the Shirlington Employment and Education Center (SEEC), and has worked to build bridges between the immigrant community and law enforcement.
Collaborations such as those are needed now more than ever, he said.
“We’re in some very tough times now. People are hurting,” Tobar said. “But we will persevere and we will do it by focusing on things we can control.”
Penn and Quiroz jointly presented Tobar with a plaque to mark his “steadfast leadership.”
“He is passionate about making a difference,” Penn said.
Also at the luncheon, Veronica Santos was presented with the 2025 Crime Solvers Community Champion Award. Santos is director of external affairs for Comcast’s Beltway Region, and long has been active in the organization.
