Retired Alexandria City Police Captain Carl Andrew Dutzman
A great man has passed from this world and leaves our hearts broken. Carl Andrew Dutzman of Alexandria, Virginia, passed away on November 28, 2019 at the age of 89. To all who knew him, Carl was a paragon of honesty and integrity. A hard worker and family man, Carl always put the needs of others before his own.
Carl was born on December 19, 1929 in Windber, Pennsylvania to the late Karl and Elizabeth (Petroczi) Dutzman. As the oldest boy, Carl worked in the coal mines as a young man to help support his family. During the Korean War, Carl served in the military from 1951 to 1953 as a member of the Army’s elite 508 Parachute Infantry Regimen of the 82nd. Airborne Division. He was promoted to Sergeant quickly and was sent to Officer’s Training School. As a weapons specialist, Carl was selected to train Army Rangers in the use of weapons. After leaving the service, Carl joined the Alexandria Police Department (APD) as a patrol officer. He progressed through the ranks quickly and ultimately was promoted to the rank of Captain in 1965. During his 38 years with the department, Carl accomplished many things. He was the first Alexandria Police Officer to earn a college degree. Carl was awarded a B.A. degree in Public Administration from American University. He accomplished this while working full-time shift work, part-time security jobs and raising six children. While with the APD, Carl served as the Commander of many of the department’s divisions including criminal investigations, planning and research and field operations. He also served as the interim Deputy Chief of the field operations division. Carl was 2nd. in command of Alexandria City Police Department for many years. When the Chief of Police retired, Carl stepped in as the interim Chief.
Carl’s career with the APD was punctuated by many awards and commendations. Carl was chosen to receive the first Officer of the Year award ever given by the Old Dominion Kiwanis Club. He was also awarded the Exceptional Merit Award by the Alexandria City Council. After completing his bachelor’s degree, Carl was awarded a full, one-year scholarship to the prestigious Northwestern Traffic Institute in Chicago to complete additional specialized training. In 1970, Carl received a White House award from President Nixon as one of the top Municipal Law Enforcement Officers in the country. Carl also worked as an Adjunct Professor of Police Science for Northern Virginia Community College and an Adjunct Professor for the Military Police at Quantico Marine Base.
But, first and foremost, Carl was a dedicated family man. As busy as he was, he made time to coach his son in baseball and serve as president of the Bucknell Little League. Attending his children’s school and athletic events was a priority. He also was very active in his community, serving as President of the Bucknell Citizen’s Association.
After retiring from the APD, Carl was an active member of the Alexandria Retired Police, Fire and Sheriff’s Association (ARPFSA). He served as an officer of that association for many years and almost never missed an association event. Carl loved his numerous, pet dogs and enjoyed going on daily walks with them in the woods. He also enjoyed playing poker, which he did on a weekly basis with his friends for decades.
Carl was preceded in death by his siblings Lisa Crane, Jolan Steele, Margaret Loveless, Dolly Tamas, Robert Dutzman, Dennis Dutzman, Ronald Dutzman and Billy Dutzman. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Joanna (Bestvina) Dutzman, his children, Marisa Reilly (Danny Gibbs), Celine Dutzman, Louise Garris (Brad), Carla Dutzman, Joleane Dutzman (Patrick Medina), Carl “One Son” Dutzman, Jr. (Lori) and his much-loved grandson, Gunner Dutzman. He is also survived by his brothers Albert Dutzman and John Dutzman.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family would cherish hearing your personal stories (especially police department stories) about Carl or receiving photographs of Carl that can be passed down to his grandson. These may be sent to joleane@verizon.net.
We are certain that he is in a better place now, reunited with beloved pets and family members who were already there, waiting for him to come home.
Carl, or Captain Carl as we knew him, was my boss when I made lieutenant in the early ‘80s. He taught me a lot about being a good police commander and I’m forever in his debt. We also worked together on the board of the retires association. Capt. Carl was larger than life and his presence will be missed.
Sounds like just the type of person the world is in all too short of a supply of. All good karma headed your way Marisa.
Sorry for your loss.
Was so sorry you had to leave us, altho you are wit god in heaven you are very much missed. God rest your soul.
I am so sorry for your lost.
From Janice Bill
Dad, really missing you.
I am deeply and sincerely sorry for the loss of your father and the grandfather of my grandson. Carl was a great man,man of integrity, He is gone but never forgotten . Sincere condolences! I am really sorry for you loss.
I remember meeting Captain Dutzman in 1991 in Richmond when a group of my law school friends were sworn into the Virginia State Bar. We all went to lunch after the ceremony and Captain Dutzman picked up the entire bill! So kind of him. I think he was just so proud of Joleane who had done so well in her studies! I know he was well known in law enforcement circles, but was also a great dad and very proud of his kids.
I wish to express my deepest condolences to my aunt Joanne and my cousins. Your husband and father was such a wonderful man to our family and everyone. I had a lot of respect for him and his accomplishments. I was proud that he was my uncle. I’ll never forget all he did for my mother, helping her with her vehicles and house. Every time he would visit he would find something to fix or help out with. I really appreciate Aunt Joanne and uncle Carl’s generosity to allow me to live with them and help me get set up to work in VA. He was such a good family man and an example for us all. He was such a loving person as you could tell with his family and his beloved dogs. God bless you uncle Carl and your family. I will miss you but I will never forget the example you set for me. I hope I can live up to. I love you all. My family and I are praying for you and your family and keep you in our thoughts. God bless you all. Amen.
Capt. Dutzman was one of my first commanders when I started w/APD and he taught me a lot about people and managing the work we had to do as I progressed in my career. I looked up to him, he will be missed.
Sorry for your loss, Carl was a wonderful man, police officer and friend. He was the Retired Association’s treasurer for many years and always did an excellent job. I remember many a night at the Association hall playing cards until the sun came up. He will be missed.
So very sorry to read this, Joleane. Prayers for you and your family.
I feel privileged to have known Carl over twenty years. He was a good man who lived a full and intriguing life. Carl will be dearly missed and remain forever in our hearts.
Dad,
Even though we know you are in a better place we wish you could have stayed with us a bit longer. Gunner loves you. Zena misses you. We love you.
Joleane, Gunner and Patrick
Dad,
We know you are in a better place now but we wish you could have stayed with us a bit longer. Gunner loves you so much. Zena misses you. You were a good man who loved children and animals.
We miss you and love you so much.
Joleane, Gunner and Patrick