City of Alexandria Police Chief Don Hayes has been tapped for a new assignment at the federal level and will step down from his current post, effective February 9. Hayes has spent nearly 44 years with the Alexandria Police Department, including the last two-and-a-half years leading Alexandria’s police force.

“Chief Hayes has been a capable leader and committed public servant who genuinely cared about the department’s people and its relationship to our community,” City Manager James Parajon said. “He built upon years of experience to lead APD through some challenging times including ever-increasing demand for services. We wish him well in his next endeavor.”

Hayes joined the Alexandria Police Department in March 1981, and achieved the rank of sergeant in 1996, overseeing the community-oriented policing and internal investigations sections. In 1999, Hayes was promoted to lieutenant and led the special operations, information services, and public services divisions. He was promoted to captain in 2013 and served as patrol commander, in addition to heading the parking enforcement, traffic, special events, and community relations divisions. He was promoted to assistant chief in 2019 and has since used his diverse experience to oversee all parts of the Police Department. In December 2021, he was named acting Chief, and made Chief in April 2022.

“It’s been an honor to dedicate my life to this community,” said Don Hayes. “I truly believe there is no greater calling than to serve on behalf of the people. Doing so alongside the men and women of this department for the past four decades has been my greatest accomplishment.”

Hayes’ next opportunity has yet to be announced publicly.

With Chief Hayes’ departure, Assistant Chief Raul Pedroso will serve as Interim Chief effective upon Chief Hayes’ departure.