Purcellville Police Chief McAlister received Stu Plitman Award

Purcellville Police Chief Cynthia McAlister was honored with the prestigious Stu Plitman First Responder Community Service Award at today’s 2024 Loudoun Chamber’s Annual Valor Awards held at the National Conference Center in Leesburg, Virginia. The event is to honor local first responders for their heroic and lifesaving efforts during incidents which occurred in 2023.

The Stu Plitman First Responder Community Service Award is given in honor of Stu Plitman, the founder of the Loudoun First Responders Foundation and a tireless advocate for all career and volunteer emergency first responders, and their families, in Loudoun County. The Stu Plitman First Responder Community Service Award is given to emergency first responders who “demonstrate the highest commitment to fostering positive relationships with the Loudoun County community in ways that positively enhance the safety and security of our citizens.”

Chief McAlister was recognized for her community policing and expansive outreach programs that have fostered positive relationships between police officers and community members, such as the “Books and Badges” program at the local library, the “Coffee with a Cop” initiative, and the Purcellville Police Department and BetterALife Homework Club, which provides free tutoring and free meals to local students.

While Chief McAlister’s main impact is primarily felt in Purcellville and Western Loudoun County, the relationships she has built and the implementation of her community outreach programs has also positively affected other parts of Loudoun County, and our fellow law enforcement agencies as well.

Under Chief McAlister’s direction, the Purcellville Police Department started and later expanded the “Books and Badges” program to partner with other local public safety agencies to include the Purcellville Volunteer Fire Company, Purcellville Volunteer Rescue Squad, Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, Loudoun County Fire & Rescue, Loudoun County Animal Services, and the Loudoun County Fire Marshall’s Office, providing them the chance to attend, and interact with the children during story time.

The “Coffee with a Cop” initiative allows officers to get to know members of the community in an informal, neutral space to discuss community issues, and build relationships, with no speeches or agendas. The program was so successful in Purcellville, other local agencies such as the Leesburg Police Department and the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office also regularly hold similar events to strengthen community partnerships across Loudoun County. The connections established during these events between law enforcement and our local residents and businesses form the groundwork for relationships that have proven to be invaluable for public safety.

These are just a few examples of the partnerships fostered under Chief McAlister’s leadership, which have improved community relationships and helped make Purcellville, and Loudoun County, a safer place for all who live, work or visit here.