Kiwanis president saluted for 15 years leading Arlington County Crime Solvers

Kiwanis Club of South Arlington president Andres Tobar recently was honored for 15 years of service leading Arlington County Crime Solvers.

Police Chief Andy Penn and Sheriff Jose Quiroz were among those paying tribute as Tobar finalized plans to step down from the position.

Penn and Quiroz jointly presented Tobar with a plaque to mark his “steadfast leadership.”

“He is passionate about making a difference,” Penn said as Crime Solvers’ 2025 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award Luncheon. The event celebrated achievements of K9 units for both police and sheriff.

The Oct. 9 luncheon marked the end of Tobar’s 15-year tenure as president of Crime Solvers. Tobar took over leadership from former Arlington Chamber of Commerce president Rich Doud.

“It’s been a pleasure,” Tobar said of the experience.

“We wish him some well-deserved rest and relaxation,” said Dulce Carrillo of Arlington Public Schools, who emceed the program.

While no successor has been named, Tobar said there were a number of qualified individuals serving on the organization’s board whose skills could be tapped.

“I’m delighted with the talent that has stepped up,” he said.

Arlington County Crime Solvers offers the public an opportunity to provide anonymous information about criminal activity at (866) 411-TIPS or online. But the organization also works to bridge any divides between public safety and the community.

Tobar serves as executive director of the Shirlington Employment and Education Center (SEEC), and has worked to build bridges between the immigrant community and law enforcement.

Collaborations such as those are needed more than ever, he said.

“We’re in some very tough times now. People are hurting,” Tobar said. “But we will persevere and we will do it by focusing on things we can control.”

Tobar also has served multiple terms as president of the Kiwanis Club of South Arlington, starting a new one-year stint at the start of the club year on Oct. 1.