Growing up, Jack Esquivel loved and played many sports.  Beginning in kindergarten those sports included football, soccer, basketball and baseball.  By second grade, it became more clear which sport would take center stage in his life, when he joined the SYC anklebiters football team.  He had a love for the quarterback position and trained for many years to perfect his skills. By the time Jack got to high school, football was at the center of his life.  Back then, it was hard for anyone to remember Jack without a football in his hand, out throwing with friends, or leading the Bishop Ireton football team during Saturday games.  It was during those high school years when colleges began showing an interest in Jack playing for them.  He was fortunate to play for Merrimack College as an undergraduate, and at University of New Haven as a graduate student.  His family attended many games, with his Dad, Frank, never missing a single game!

While playing for Merrimack College, Jack received a B.S. in Business. During those years, his focus began to evolve from simply playing sports, toward a life of service.  This manifested in him obtaining a Master’s in Emergency Management at the University of New Haven.  After graduation, Jack attended the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy and was sworn in as an Alexandria City police officer in December 2025, a jurisdiction that was a natural fit for him, having been born and raised here.

In a time when those who serve in law enforcement are often maligned by others, Jack stands as a bright spot, bringing his calm, cool, positive demeanor with him into every situation, including those situations where his life is on the line. Jack recognizes the importance of his job as an Alexandria City police officer, having chosen to serve in this capacity because it allows him to protect and serve the community that has given so much to him.

From time to time you’ll see Jack ushering with his Dad, especially during the big days like Christmas and Easter.  And some of us even remember the times when three generations in Jack’s family ushered together: Don Ervine, Frank and Jack!  They made a great team!

Please keep Jack and all people who serve in uniform in your prayers.  Their public service is often the difference between life and death.  Let’s support them with our gratitude and prayer.

A Prayer for Law Enforcement Officers

O God, whose power and wisdom embrace the universe:

We commend to your loving care all who work in law enforcement.

Defend them day and night in their dangerous duty;

give them strength and courage;

grant them wisdom and right judgment in the pressure of the moment;

and keep them safe from all harm.

Endow them with compassion for the weak,

integrity in their daily service,

and a persistent heart to seek justice and peace for all people.

Unite them safely with their families when their duty is done,

through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

If you know of another story that you think we should celebrate or highlight, please send a message to Chuck at charlescmccoartjr@gmail.com.  Chuck will work with you to gather the details and, most importantly, make sure we have the person’s permission before sharing their story.

In a world where we can sometimes feel overwhelmed by difficult news, I hope Good News at Emmanuel will be a small but meaningful reminder that there is still so much goodness, kindness, courage, and joy all around us.

Sometimes, we simply need to take the time to notice it—and then share it with others

Peace,

Chuck.