Alexandria Police Honor 18 Fallen Officers In Ceremony

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The Alexandria Police Department remembered 18 fallen officers in a ceremony Monday at the Alexandria Police Memorial outside police headquarters.

The annual Fallen Officers’ Wreath Laying Ceremony was held in conjunction with National Police Week. The ceremony, sponsored by the Alexandria Police Foundation, featured a presentation of colors by Alexandria Police Honor Guard, singing of the National Anthem, invocation by Assistant Chief Don Hayes, remarks by Alexandria Police Chief Michael Brown and retired Capt. Ken Howard, presentation of the wreath, and end of watch roll call of the 18 fallen officers. Some family members and descendants were present.

These 18 fallen officers and their end-of-watch dates were recognized:

• Constable Elijah Chenault: Aug. 4, 1823
• Watchman Gerrard Arnold: Sept. 9, 1827
• Officer Julian Arnold: May 15, 1887
• Officer George W. Crump: Dec. 28, 1893
• Officer Walker Campbell: Feb. 16, 1919
• Sgt. Elton B. Hummer: Aug. 18, 1928
• Sgt. Charles R. McClary: June 20, 1929
• Pvt. Whitfield W. Lipscombe: Sept. 4, 1930
• Pvt. August Perault Pierce: Sept. 7, 1930
• Cpl. Clarence J. McClary: March 17, 1935
• Pvt. Robert B. Harris: Sept. 11, 1948
• Pvt. Bobby G. Padgett: Feb. 4, 1959
• Deputy Inspector James W. Baber: Oct. 19, 1962
• Pvt. Eugene Yoakum: Sept. 27, 1964
• Detective Conrad Lee Birney: Dec. 27, 1972
• Cpl. Charles William Hill: March 22, 1989
• Officer Andrew M. Chelchowski: July 29, 1993
• Sgt. Morton "Morty" Ford: June 18, 2011

"These individuals who we just recognized did make the ultimate sacrifice. In tough times, they were there," said Brown in remarks. "That tradition continues with this police department today. In tough times, we're here."

Howard, speaking on behalf of the Alexandria Retired Police, Fire and Sheriff Association, recalled losing seven colleagues in DC and Alexandria in his 30 years in law enforcement. He said in 2021 alone, there have been over 100 line-of-duty law enforcement deaths this year in the U.S.

He urged officers to ignore the "negative nonsense out there in the media" regarding police.

"Be proud be careful and know you are supported," said Howard.

Brown echoed the sentiment that it is a challenging year for law enforcement.

"But I will tell you that the men and women of this police department are incredibly dedicated to what they do and the professional that they've chosen," said Brown. "And I pray that none of them add their name to this [end of watch roll call]."

To learn more about the fallen officers, visit the Alexandria Police Foundation website.