celebration

Crime Solvers celebrates K9 teams at Arlington sheriff’s office and police department

By Scott McCaffrey

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.

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.

Andres Tobar is honored by Police Chief Andy Penn and Sheriff Jose Quiroz (staff photo by Scott McCaffrey)

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.

Local bookstore One More Page to host a party next week celebrating 13 years in Arlington

By Savannah Taffe
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A local Arlington bookstore, One More Page, will celebrate its 13th anniversary next Friday.

People can stop by the East Falls Church bookstore at 2200 N. Westmoreland Street from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 26. to enjoy cake and refreshments and have the chance to win prizes. The event was originally scheduled for today but moved back a week due to the snow.

The anniversary celebration will highlight the overall goal of One More Page, which is to provide a place for the community to come together to share a love of reading and books, owner Eileen McGervey tells ARLnow.

“We are dedicated to being a part of the community, providing excellent customer service, and being a place of discovery and welcome,” she said.

She credited the community, meanwhile, for helping the independent bookstore turn the page on financial hardships last year.

“After a challenging start to last year, we closed 2023 on a promising note with revenue up and expenses reduced, thanks to aggressive cost-cutting,” said McGervey.

The bookstore also has some breathing room after holding a fundraiser last year, which surpassed its $35,000 goal and paid for needed repairs inside.

“We wouldn’t exist without community support — everyday,” McGervey said. “We appreciate that readers make the conscious choice to come to the store, attend events and book clubs, and share their book conversations with us.”

This year, One More Page will be adding even more “authorless events” that partner with local organizations and businesses, McGervey said.

“We’ve enjoyed adding events where we work with other businesses, like the Boozy Book Fairs and the [Small Business Saturday] Passport program, and we know customers do, too,” she said.

Before the anniversary party, One More Page will host another fundraiser. On Wednesday, Jan. 24 from 4-7 p.m., the Manga Library Fundraiser will raise money to help stock a library of Japanese comics for Ashlawn Elementary School and Swanson Middle School students.

A week later, One More Page will host its very first puzzle exchange on Wednesday, Jan. 31 at 7 p.m.

February will see a trio events, including two book talks and and its signature “Boozy Book Fair.”

  • Cozy Boozy Book Fair at Audacious Aleworks (110 E. Fairfax Street) on Feb. 7 from 5:30-8 p.m.
  • Author talk with Will Mountain Cox about his book “Roundabout” on Feb. 8 at 7 p.m.
  • Author talk with April Asher about her book “Not Your Crush’s Cauldron” on Feb. 15 at 7 p.m.