Officer Alex Jara is just 26, yet he’s already served with the military overseas and with the City of Fairfax Police Department for three-and-a-half years. And, he has done such an outstanding job that he was just honored as the department’s Police Officer of the Year.

While pleased with the recognition, though, he is quick to share it with others. And as a patrol officer, he knows the value of teamwork.

“I was genuinely, very surprised to hear that I was nominated for the Officer of the Year award,” said Jara. “I honestly wasn't expecting it, especially not after the conclusion of the City’s involvement with the Jesse Matthew [attempted capital murder] case, and the outstanding work conducted by the CID [Criminal Investigations Division] and Det. Michael Boone.”

Furthermore, said Jara, “I, in no way, believe [that] award should be given to any one individual. I wouldn't have been able to accomplish what I have accomplished if it wasn't for the best squad on the street, Night-1. Everything we do is as a team, from responding to robbery calls to eating dinner.”‬

Jara was feted during a Feb. 28 ceremony before his parents and fellow offices. Chief Carl Pardiny said the City Police Department focuses on consistently providing the highest levels of service to the community.

“Our members maintain a broad range of skills, demonstrate professional conduct and provide exceptional value in law enforcement services,” he said. “I challenge each member to work hard, both as an individual and as a member of their team, in order to surpass the expectations of our citizens and distinguish themselves as exceptional law enforcement professionals.”

DURING 2015, Pardiny told Jara, “You rose to the challenge and provided superior service to both the community we serve and to the Department. I take great pleasure in recognizing you as Police Officer of the Year.”

Actually, Jara decided to go into law enforcement after serving a tour in Iraq as a Navy medic with the U.S. Marines. There, he said, “I observed the ‘Iraqi Police’ terrorizing the communities in which they were involved. Instead of protecting the citizens of their country, they themselves would commit heinous crimes. However, in Iraq, they were not charged for their crimes and were essentially ‘protected thugs.’ It was very sad to see the people suffer, knowing they had nowhere to turn.”

“I know Iraq and the U.S. are different in very obvious ways,” he continued. “But seeing someone truly suffer alone – especially knowing there was no help offered during such a traumatic event – bothered me. What concerned me all the more were the cowards who got away and were never prosecuted. I want to help people. I want to help provide comfort and security, and I want to go after criminals who are hurting the innocent. This is why I decided to pursue a career in law enforcement.”

And Jara is certainly making his mark with the City of Fairfax. During the ceremony, Pardiny shared several examples of Jara’s “superior service” to the local residents and spoke directly to the young officer.

“Beginning in March 2015, we began to receive reports of harassment, unreported thefts and robberies, and assaults occurring in and around the Americana Grocery,” said Pardiny. “At nearly the same time, crimes of disorderly conduct, assault and burglary increased at the Oak Knoll Apartments. The close proximity of both locations led you and other patrol members to suspect that the root cause was an influx of gang members to the area.

“As CID investigated the burglaries and assaults, you provided valuable translation services because many of the victims and all of the suspects were Latino and primarily spoke Spanish. [Besides] translating during interviews, you spent dozens of hours reviewing and translating social media posts made by the suspects. You also showed great initiative and acted as a liaison with the owners and staff of the Americana Grocery.”

Pardiny said Jara’s efforts prompted the Americana Grocery staff and the Oak Knolls residents to provide invaluable information about the gang members committing these crimes. The information Jara gathered helped secure multiple arrest warrants for the perpetrators. And that December, the intelligence he obtained on local gang members helped solve a murder in Alexandria.

Pardiny also noted a July 19 shooting during a drug transaction at a home on Chain Bridge Road. Through a thorough investigation conducted by the CID, the suspect was identified and warrants obtained for his arrest. Patrol members learned that the suspect had relatives and close friends living in the Ardmore area. So during each shift, Jara and other patrol members diligently searched there and in other areas of the City.

More than a month later, on Aug. 27, Jara was patrolling near the Americana Grocery when he saw a male walking toward the Maple Street 7-Eleven, a business frequented by Ardmore residents. Jara chose to investigate further since that person resembled the general description of the shooting suspect.

“As you neared him, you visually confirmed the person you were observing was, in fact, the suspect,” said Pardiny. “Immediately, you radioed for additional units to assist and, moments later, you and other patrol members were able to safely apprehend a violent felon.”

“The community we serve expects to have a Police Department that is responsive to its concerns and aggressive on combatting and preventing crime,” said Pardiny. “Your consistent dedication to duty and self-motivation serves not only to enhance your professional reputation, but also brings credit and distinction to the entire agency. Congratulations for a job well done, and thank you for your service to the citizens of Fairfax.”

“Your consistent dedication to duty … brings credit and distinction to the entire agency.”

--Carl Pardiny, Fairfax City Police Chief

AFTERWARD, Jara said he likes being a City police officer because, even though he’s assigned to the Field Operations Division Patrol Section, he’s gotten the opportunity to be part of the Emergency Services Team (SWAT) as well as to assist other sections, such as CID, with various cases and investigations. “This is an opportunity I likely would not have received at another agency,” he said.

Moreover, said Jara, “I wouldn't have the confidence to do this job if it wasn’t for my squad mates. They know me, whether it be the sound of my voice on the radio or the stance I display while speaking to a suspect; they can interpret my responses and respond accordingly. They’ve always had my back. It’s an overwhelming feeling when you hear those sirens and you know your co-workers – friends, family – are on their way to help you. I understand that I’m obviously a little biased towards my squad and dispatchers, but who isn’t? Again, it was an honor to receive such an award.”