In Memoriam: Officer Joe Sautner

After a long hard fought battle with cancer — Animal Control Officer (ACO) Joe Sautner passed away Friday, January 27 surrounded by family and friends.

Joe worked with the City’s Police Department for over 3 years. He began his career as Public Safety Aid (PSA) where he embraced the responsibilities of guarding the City’s children and to bring order and enforcement to the City’s many parking needs.

Joe took on the role of a PSA like no other — he loved his job and he loved to work hard. Joe assumed the immediate responsibility of mentoring others — even as a new employee — because of his innate leadership abilities and his drive to give everyone his best. While on patrol in the City he was known to provide vital information about crimes in progress to assist the officers on the road.

Joe’s last assignment with the Police Department was as the Animal Control Officer.

Joe acquired the necessary State certifications and experience. Even as he was ailing throughout this past week — Joe was giving officers/ dispatchers advice on how to handle an Owl call for service.

City of Falls Church Police Chief Mary Gavin stated that Sautner “was a dedicated public servant, who served in many different capacities during his tenure. He began his career as Public Safety Aid (PSA) where he guarded our City’s children travel to and from school and he brought order and enforcement to the City’s many parking needs. Since 2021, Joe served as our City’s Animal Control Officer. He was our own trusted and caring Saint Francis taking great care of the City’s beloved pets and wildlife. To his last days Joe was giving officers/ dispatchers advice on how to handle animal calls for service. Joe’s work filled him with great pride. Joe’s life filled us with love, a greater appreciation for life and true friendship.”

Arrangements for ACO Joe Sautner have been set for the following: Monday, February 6th at The Falls Church Episcopal (115 East Fairfax Drive, Falls Church). A viewing will be held from 11:00 a.m. — 1:00 p.m. A memorial service will begin at 1:00 p.m., with a repast with family and friends in the basement of the church immediately following the memorial service.

Parking will be available on the top lot off of East Broad Street. Sara (Joe’s Wife) has respectfully requested that no flowers or plants to be sent to her or the church. Opportunities for donations have not yet been designated.

All are welcome to celebrate Joe’s life on Monday. A live feed will occur from Facebook off the Mary Gavin profile.

DACHSHUND MAX LUTEN (2007-2022), enjoyed an ice cream cone at the Little City Creamery one afternoon. He is missed

Just because you’re not famous doesn’t mean your pet can’t be! Send in your Critter Corner submissions to crittercorner@fcnp.com.

Falls Church Business News & Notes

Capital Caring Health Expansion

Local hospice and palliative care provider, Capital Caring Health (CCH) has secured a $35,000 grant to expand its in-home primary care program in Arlington County. CCH will use this funding to reach more homebound and chronically ill patients under the Primary Care at Home program which provides house calls, in-home diagnostics and 24/7 phone access to set appointments. The funding will also support meals for patients and transportation to appointments, grief counseling and more. In operation for 45 years, CCH is raising philanthropic and grant dollars to invest in newer mobile technology needed for diagnostic testing. The Washington Forrest Foundation, a private family foundation, has long supported organizations which serve South Arlington residents.

Speed Records for General Dynamics

Falls Church-based General Dynamics announced that its G700 jet has set 25 speed records during its world tour, boosting its status in the business jet market. It has become a premier manufacturer and integrator of land combat solutions and business jets. General Dynamics has long been recognized as a leading designer and builder of nuclear-powered submarines and a leader in surface combatants and auxiliary ship design and construction for the Navy. The company long-term earnings has a growth rate of 8 percent and holds a Zacks Rank #3.

The 18th Annual Virginia CFO Awards

Virginia Business Magazine announced the opening of nominations for the Virginia CFO Awards. The nominations of financial professionals in the state are due by 11:45 pm on Friday, May 5, 2023. The awards banquet will be held in June and the four winners and all nominees will be Recognized in the August 2023 issue of Virginia Business Magazine. Nominations may Be made at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VACFO2023.

Lopez Presents at Law Seminar

Claudia Lopez, Esq., of Whiteford, Taylor & Preston, LLP, in Falls Church gave a panel presentation to the Community Associations Institute (CAI) Law Seminar in New Orleans for Boards of Directors conducting Association business electronically through modern platforms. Some of the common electronic platforms are Messenger, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Slack. In response to applicability to North Carolina community associations, it was noted that Boards should consider the legal and practical implications to ensure they comply with the governing documents and applicable law.

Northrop Elects O’Bryan

The Northrop Board of Directors elected Stephen O’Bryan to succeed David Perry as corporate vice president and global business development officer on February 6. O’Bryan is a senior aerospace and defense industry executive. Perry has been with Northrop Grumman for 24 years and will retire by the end of March.

 Business News & Notes is compiled by Elise Neil Bengtson, Executive Director of the Greater Falls Church Chamber of Commerce. She may be emailed at elise@fallschurchchamber.org.