This Women’s History Month, the Loudoun First Responders Foundation (LFRF) collaborated with local first responder agencies to shine a spotlight on their heroic work. They kicked off this initiative by introducing Interim Chief Sara Lombraña of the Purcellville Police Department, who is a dedicated leader committed to serving and protecting our community.
When asked about her favorite part of the job, Chief Lombraña said, “At the risk of sounding cliché, the favorite part of my job is helping people; both those in the community and my fellow officers. Whether it’s finding justice for the victim of a crime or helping an officer succeed in her or his career goals, that’s really what it is all about; helping one another.” This dedication to community service exemplifies the core values of law enforcement and highlights the crucial role that officers play in fostering a safe environment for all.
While the role of a police chief can be incredibly rewarding, it also presents its share of challenges. Chief Lombraña shared, “There are a lot of tough aspects in law enforcement. One of the toughest parts I have found was when I worked in the field of investigations. People think that police investigations are like watching an episode of CSI or Law & Order, where the case gets solved in 45 minutes. That’s the farthest thing from the truth! There is nothing more important than ensuring a case is worked methodically and systematically; otherwise, mistakes can be made.”
This insight sheds light on the complexities of police work, reminding us that thoroughness and diligence are key components of effective law enforcement.
Outside of her professional life, Chief Lombraña enjoys spending quality time with her Great Dane, Samson, and restoring her cherished 1987 Chevrolet Square Body Silverado. She takes advantage of the beautiful weather by hiking, fishing, and kayaking, and has a unique hobby as an avid shark tooth hunter. These activities not only provide relaxation but also showcase her connection to nature and the community.
Chief Lombraña addressed a common misconception regarding law enforcement: “The biggest misunderstanding that community members have about law enforcement is that we, in general, are out to ‘get’ people, waiting for someone to do something bad so we can arrest them. The majority of us in law enforcement enter this field because we want to help others. Yes, some are attracted to the positions because they get to ‘drive fast’ and chase ‘bad guys,’ but overall we do this because we want to help better our communities.”
This perspective emphasizes that the primary motivation for many officers is not the thrill of the chase, but rather a genuine desire to serve and protect the community.
Chief Lombraña also highlighted the importance of community support for local law enforcement: “By supporting the LFRF, you are supporting not only the Purcellville Police Department but also ALL local first responders in Loudoun County. The LFRF has provided financial support for our Purcellville officers in their time of need, as well as recognition for all the sacrifices they make day in and day out to help provide a safer Loudoun County. It is a wonderful organization where any money donated stays right here in Loudoun to assist those who often have a hard time asking for help, since they are so used to providing it.”
As we celebrate the contributions of Interim Chief Sara Lombraña and all our first responders, let us acknowledge their commitment to our community and consider how we can support them. The LFRF plays a vital role in ensuring the well-being of those who serve us, and every contribution helps strengthen our local heroes.