Members of the Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard presented the colors followed by the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. Deputy Sheriff II Carlos Cañas, Vice-President of the ASA, and Sheriff Sean Casey placed the wreath at the memorial.

“As we start to transition to National Correctional Officers Week, it is extremely important that we take a moment to remember the sacrifice that Deputy Truesdale made, that a lot of our fallen Alexandria police officers made, and law enforcement officers across the country made protecting us and protecting the community at large,” Casey said in his remarks. “Deputy Truesdale did not expect to be murdered when he showed up for work that day but he knew that was a reality when he put on the uniform, when he put on the badge, when he put on his duty belt. He knew that was a reality as we all do as we stand here today.”

Master Deputy Todd Stubblefield offered a reflection and prayer followed by remarks from Cañas about the meaning of sacrifice and Truesdale’s service.

“Deputy Truesdale was a hero who gave the ultimate sacrifice pursuing the core values that he chose to live by,” said Cañas as he recounted Truesdale’s career, which included service as a U.S. Navy veteran during the Korean War. “He became a deputy sheriff with the Alexandria Sheriff's Office in 1973 and served until his tragic murder on January 27, 1981. He dedicated his entire professional career to public safety and embodied what it means to not only be an officer but what I have come to realize is the definition of hero.”

Casey praised his staff and all public safety employees for their commitment and service to the City of Alexandria.

“We [serve] because we are committed to our community,” Casey said. “We do it because we know that someone needs to do it, that someone has to do it. It’s a calling and we are all called to do it.”

As part of the upcoming National Correctional Officers Week, the Alexandria Retired Police, Fire and Sheriff Association will join the Sheriff’s Office and Police Department for a joint wreath laying ceremony May 9 at 9 a.m. at Waterfront Park.

“I couldn’t be prouder of the men and women that I am responsible for, both in uniform and all my civilian staff,” Casey added. “They are an important part of this office. Thank you for the sacrifice you make every day. Thank you for the sacrifice our police department and our fire department makes every day. I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of this community that I have been a part of for my entire life.”