2026 SESSION

ENROLLED

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 229

Celebrating the life of Christopher John Tutko.

Agreed to by the Senate, March 10, 2026

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 12, 2026

WHEREAS, Christopher John Tutko, a dedicated law-enforcement officer who served and safeguarded the Manassas community for 28 years and provided his expertise to national law-enforcement organizations, died on August 31, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Christopher “Chris” Tutko was born in Washington, D.C., and served his country as a member of the United States Air Force before joining the Manassas Police Department as a patrol officer in 1971; and

WHEREAS, Chris Tutko held numerous leadership positions within the department over the course of his distinguished career and was promoted to chief of police in 1993; he was admired for his focus on community policing, officer education, and efforts to modernize the department through new technology; and

WHEREAS, Chris Tutko retired as chief of the Manassas Police Department in 1997, then worked diligently to support and advocate for his fellow law-enforcement officers around the country, including with the Police Executive Research Foundation and the International Association of Chiefs of Police; and

WHEREAS, Chris Tutko also consulted for the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, the Police Executive Research Foundation, the Community Safety Institute, and other organizations, and he ultimately became the director of neighborhood watch for the National Sheriffs' Association; and

WHEREAS, predeceased by his wife of 38 years, Janie, Chris Tutko will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his children, Melissa and Matt, and their families; his sister, Rita, and her family; his partner of 13 years, Kitty Pelham; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Christopher John Tutko; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Christopher John Tutko as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.