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SJ229 • 2026

Celebrating the life of Christopher John Tutko.

Celebrating the life of Christopher John Tutko.

Crime Education Technology
Enacted

This bill passed the Legislature and reached final enactment based on the latest official action.

Sponsor
Roem
Last action
2026-03-14
Official status
Passed
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material focuses on the recognition of Christopher John Tutko's life and contributions, but it does not specify that law-enforcement officers are directly affected by this legislation.

Celebrating the Life of Christopher John Tutko

This legislation celebrates and honors the life of Christopher John Tutko, a dedicated law-enforcement officer who served in Manassas and contributed to national organizations.

What This Bill Does

  • Recognizes the death of Christopher John Tutko.
  • Highlights his service as a police chief in Manassas for over two decades.
  • Acknowledges his contributions to community policing, officer education, and modernizing law enforcement through technology.
  • Notes his work with national organizations after retirement.

Who It Names or Affects

  • The family of Christopher John Tutko

Terms To Know

Community policing
A strategy that involves police working closely with communities to prevent crime.
National organizations
Groups that work across different states or regions, such as the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The legislation does not provide financial support or benefits.
  • It is a symbolic gesture and does not change any laws or policies.

Bill History

  1. 2026-03-14 Senate

    Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ229ER)

  2. 2026-03-12 House

    Agreed to by House

  3. 2026-03-11 House

    Received

  4. 2026-03-11 House

    Laid on Speaker's table

  5. 2026-03-10 Senate

    Agreed to by Senate

  6. 2026-03-09 Senate

    Presented 26109351D

  7. 2026-03-09 Senate

    Laid on Clerk's Desk

Official Summary Text

Celebrating the life of Christopher John Tutko.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
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.