The George Washington Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution presented Law Enforcement Commendation Medals to Alexandria police officer Jonattan Lopez and Deputy Chief Eddie Reyes Dec. 7 at Alexandria Police Headquarters.

Lopez received the SAR Law Enforcement Commendation Award for his exceptional service providing lifesaving care to a citizen. While on patrol July 26, Lopez was dispatched to assist a citizen. Upon arrival, he discovered a 48-year-old resident lying on the floor unresponsive. Noticing that the victim's face was purple and that he was not breathing, Lopez initiated life-saving CPR chest compressions and continued until relieved by the Alexandria EMS. Lopez's rapid response saved the life of the resident.

Reyes, who rose through the ranks from patrol officer to deputy chief, will retire Dec. 31 after 25 years of service. He worked in almost every unit of the department, most notably as the commander of the emergency communications center and in the interoperability center on Sept. 11, 2001, and during the Washington D.C. sniper attacks.

In 2002, Reyes was assigned to the National Institute of Justice CommTech Program. He chaired the Metropolitan Council of Governments Police Technology Subcommittee and has served as the chairman of the Virginia State Interoperability Executive Committee.

Reyes has served on the Virginia Latino Advisory Board and was chairman of the International Association of Chiefs of Police Law Enforcement Management Section. He was appointed vice-chair of the FCC Emergency Response Interoperability Center and serves on the Transportation Safety Advancement Group. He coordinated the construction of the Alexandria Police Headquarters building and a number of electronic innovations adopted by the Department.

“It is such an honor to have the collaboration that the Alexandria Police Department has with all the civic associations in Alexandria like Sons of the American Revolution,” Reyes said. “Few organizations know the true meaning of service and dedication like the members of the Sons of the American Revolution and having them acknowledge me for 25 years of service to the citizens of Alexandria wraps up my career just perfectly. I’m so grateful and honored of the award and recognition they have given me.”