NEWS RELEASE Contact: Chief Cynthia McAlister
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE cmcaslister@purcellvilleva.gov
PURCELLVILLE POLICE ANNOUNCES SERGEANT PROMOTION
PURCELLVILLE, Va., January 19, 2020 — The Purcellville Police Department is pleased to announce the promotion of Officer Eric Bridge to the rank of Sergeant. Sergeant Bridge was chosen for his extensive experience, as well as his proven leadership and commitment to both the community and his fellow officers. He has been successfully serving the Department in the role of Acting Sergeant since August 2018. Sergeant Bridge joined the Purcellville Police Department in 2016 after serving nearly 30 years with the Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD). During his career with the FCPD, Sergeant Bridge held many operational, investigative, administrative, training, and supervisory positions.
Sergeant Bridge began his career with FCPD in 1987 at the Fair Oaks District Station where he served as a Patrol Officer, Field Training Instructor, and Detective. In 1997, he was selected to the Major Crimes Division where he served as a Detective in the Child Abuse Unit. After being promoted to Master Police Officer, Bridge was selected to join the Personnel Resources Division in 2002, where he proudly hired more than 100 new officers. In 2006, Bridge was promoted to the rank of Sergeant, and served as a Patrol Supervisor at the Reston and Mason District Stations. In 2007, he was chosen as the Basic Training Supervisor at the Fairfax County Criminal Justice Academy, where he was responsible for all operational and administrative tasks associated with managing five large-scale recruit training programs. In 2012, Bridge was transferred to oversee operations in the Vehicle Fleet and Quartermaster Divisions. Returning to the Reston District Station in 2014, Bridge served as a Day Shift Supervisor until his retirement from the FCPD in June 2016.
Since coming to the Purcellville Police Department, Sergeant Bridge served as a Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Night Shift Supervisor, unofficial mentor and coach, and the architect of numerous special operations plans. In 2019, Bridge was chosen by his peers as the Purcellville Police Officer of the Year. Sergeant Bridge’s mission is to get to know all of Purcellville’s business owners and residents, and enjoys interacting with citizens of all ages. A proven problem solver, Bridge enjoys analyzing community problems and developing solutions. His extensive experience and knowledge of a variety of law enforcement specialties make him an invaluable member of the Purcellville Police Department’s supervisory team.
The Town of Purcellville, Virginia
“Purcellville-your small Town, where history and progress intersect and people prosper,” is an award-winning town of over 10,000 residents located in Loudoun County, approximately 50 miles west of Washington, DC. Having received the prestigious Siemens Sustainability Award for Small Communities, Purcellville continues to be honored for its green initiatives with most recently being the Tree City USA recipient for the 13th year. The Town was reaffirmed as a AAA rated community by S&P Global Ratings, the highest credit rating possible, and is ranked “Safest City” in Virginia in 2020. Once a stop along the W&OD rail line, which has been converted to a multi-use trail from Alexandria, VA to Purcellville, the Town has maintained its historic old-town feel through the restoration and maintenance of its many downtown structures, reflecting the Victorian architecture popular during the early 1900s. Today, Purcellville is the economic hub of western Loudoun County and a popular weekend destination for antiquing, equestrian activities, farmer’s markets, wineries, breweries, distilleries and restaurants. More info at www.purcellvilleva.gov.
