The Arlington County Sheriff’s Office joined fellow first responders and community members at two meaningful events commemorating the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks. On September 5, members of the Sheriff’s Office participated in the 24th Annual Arlington Police, Fire, Sheriff and Emergency Communications Center 9/11 Memorial 5K. The race brought the Arlington community together near the Pentagon to remember those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, and to honor the first responders and public safety professionals who answered the call that day.
The annual event has become an important Arlington tradition. Each year, law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency communications personnel, military members, residents and visitors gather not only to remember, but also to demonstrate the strength and resilience of a community forever connected to the events at the Pentagon.
Several days later, Sheriff José Quiroz and members of the Sheriff’s Office participated in US United’s Friday Night Lights Unity Seats initiative during the Yorktown High School football game against Centreville High School. The September 10 event was one of nearly 100 high school football games held across the country as part of a national observance honoring first responders and marking the 25th anniversary of 9/11. Unity Seats bring six people who may not know one another together to watch a game, cheer side by side and build connections through a shared experience.
Sheriff Quiroz, a former United States Marine, began his career with the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office on September 10, 2001, just one day before the attacks. He shared that personal connection while addressing the Yorktown football team before the game and encouraged the student-athletes to recognize the role they can play in strengthening their school and community. The evening included recognition of first responders, a moment of silence and the presentation of the colors by the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard. Adam Mizel, co-founder of US United, also attended the event, along with local public safety representatives and members of the Arlington community.
The national initiative was co-hosted by local members of the Sheriffs Unity Network and law enforcement agencies in partnership with uReport/DistrictWON. It also coincided with the launch of “Pass the Purple,” a campaign encouraging people to counter negativity and division with simple gestures of unity. Together, the Memorial 5K and Friday Night Lights events offered two distinct but closely connected ways to honor September 11: remembering those who were lost, recognizing those who served and creating opportunities for people to come together. For the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office, both events reflected an enduring commitment to service, community partnership and the unity that carried the nation through one of its most difficult days.
