Colleagues Say Good Bye to Falls Church Police Chief

Chief Harry Reitze was humbled by the packed room of law enforcement brethren and City of Falls Church residents that gathered Thursday to wish him well as he retires after 37 years as a police officer.

Reitze, chief of the city’s police department, received several momentous gifts including two American flags – one that was flown over the United States Capitol and another that was flown over the Virginia Capitol in Richmond. The chief followed several presentations from old and young colleagues and was at a loss for words early in his farewell speech.

“Over the years, my service has amounted to much more than I thought,” Reitze said. “My experience in this city has been beyond anything I could imagine.”

Reitze announced his retirement in October, stating, “it’s time to start a new chapter.” He joined Falls Church police in 1975 as a patrolman, and was promoted to captain in 1998, overseeing the department’s services and operations divisions. Reitze was appointed chief of the department in May of 2007.

When Reitze had to go take his lie detector test before joining the department, it was Falls Church Sheriff Steve Bittle who drove him to Arlington more than 37 years ago. A detective then, Bittle said over the years he and Reitze have developed a great friendship.

“He must have lied pretty good because he’s still here,” Bittle joked. “There isn’t anybody in this department that’s been more loyal to this city than Harry. I mean it, nobody.”

With her voice quivering as she spoke about her chief, Deputy Chief Mary Gavin said Reitze “represents what’s best in this profession.” She assured Reitze that the department will be in good hands and he need not worry in his retirement.

“Harry, your legacy will live on in the FCPD,” Gavin said. “We will never forget how you made us feel.”

After receiving his retired police badge and service revolver, Reitze thanked his colleagues for years of service, support and friendship. As the Monday shifts report for work and roll call, Reitze will not be there. He told his officers his memories will always be with him even if he’s not there day to day.

“Through the good times and the bad and the easy and hard, there’s always been Falls Church,” Reitze said. “God bless you, God keep you and may the wind be at your back.”