HomeMy Public PortalAboutTOL PR 2016-01-05 Chief Price Retirement
Town of Leesburg
News Release
For Immediate Release Media Contact:
Betsy Arnett, Public Information Officer
barnett@leesburgva.gov 703-771-2734
Leesburg Chief of Police Joseph Price to Retire March 1, 2016
Leesburg, VA (January 5, 2016) – Leesburg Chief of Police
Joseph R. Price announced yesterday that he will retire on
March 1, 2016.
“Chief Price’s retirement announcement is a bittersweet
moment for the Town of Leesburg and myself,” said Kaj
Dentler, Leesburg Town Manager. “I am very happy for him
to be able to retire after a such a successful 40 year career
in law enforcement including 16 years as Chief of Police for
the Town of Leesburg. Chief Price has faithfully served and
protected the Town in his role while being recognized both
nationally and regionally. His leadership and guidance
transitioned our police department to the professional
organization that it is today with a philosophical focus on
being a guardian of our community versus just a warrior
mentality. His commitment to community policing and
positive interactions with our residents and businesses
reflect his dedication to serve everyone in our community, and will have an everlasting impact
on the Town of Leesburg. From a personal standpoint, I will miss his professional guidance and
support, and I wish him the very best as he pursues his next chapter in life.”
Chief Price has led the Leesburg Police Department since March 1, 2000. During his sixteen -year
tenure, the Town’s population nearly doubled, from 28,000 to 50,000, and the Police
Department grew from 58 sworn officers to 87. Under Chief Price, the Leesburg Police
Department was accredited by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services for the first
time in 2006, and achieved reaccreditation in 2010 and 2014. Most recently, the Leesburg
Police Department received the 2015 Webber-Seavey Award for Quality in Law Enforcement
from the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and Motorola. This annual award
recognizes agencies that have implemented innovative projects focused on enhancing quality in
law enforcement. The Leesburg Police Department was recognized for its Organized Retail
Crime Initiative. In addition, the department received Community Policing Awards from the
IACP in 2014 and 2006.
Prior to joining the Leesburg Police Department, Chief Price was with the Montgomery County
Maryland Police Department for 25 years. While serving with Montgomery County, he held a
variety of ranks and positions including Training Commander, Operations Officer, District
Commander, and Bureau Chief.
Chief Price holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Scranton, and an MBA
from the American University in Washington, DC. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy
and Police Executive Research Forum’s (PERF) Senior Management Institute for Police. He is the
current Chair of the Northern Virginia Chiefs and Sheriffs Group, former Chair of the Northern
Virginia Regional Gang Task Force, and a member of the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police
and the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
In addition to his law enforcement career, Chief Price had a distinguished career in the U.S.
Army Reserves, retiring as a Lt. Colonel. Chief Price is an active member of the Rotary Club of
Leesburg. He and his wife, Lori, currently reside in Leesburg and have three children and two
grandchildren.
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