June 5, 2013
The Richmond Police Department is mourning the loss of retired Police Chief Frank S. Duling Jr.
Chief Duling, who died last night, was the Department’s longest serving police chief, leading the Department from 1967 to 1989.
“Chief Duling’s legacy with the Department cannot be overstated,” Chief Ray J. Tarasovic said. “His years of work, not only as chief but for 44 years of dedicated service, paved the way for years of success for the Richmond Police.”
Duling grew up surrounded by blue: His father, two uncles and brother were also Richmond Police officers.
He first started hanging around police Headquarters when he was 9 years old and never left. He volunteered and served as an auxiliary officer for several years before being sworn in to the Department on Dec. 29, 1944, as a patrol officer.
In 1950, he was promoted to sergeant, and then, three years later, he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant. In 1957, he was promoted to the rank of captain and then major in 1960.
Just one day after his 23rd anniversary as a Richmond Police officer, Duling was promoted to Chief on Dec. 30, 1967. He would serve in that position for 21 years and 7 months until July 29, 1989, when he retired. Overall, he worked as a Richmond Police officer for 44 years and 7 months.
He worked in patrol, juvenile division, Training Academy, Inspector’s Office and was the Commander of Investigative Operations before being promoted to Chief.
He served on many boards and groups through the years. Duling served as President of the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police, and he was a proud member of the John Marshall Lodge Fraternal Order of Police, Virginia State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police, Central Virginia Crime Clinic, and the Virginia State Crime Clinic. He also served seven years as a member of the Executive Committee of the International Association of Chiefs of Police. He also had more than 250 commendations and awards.
“As a 35-year veteran of the Richmond Police Department, I was fortunate to have served alongside Chief Duling in a number of capacities and assignments,” Captain Paul Kiniry said. “Law enforcement technology and tactics changed dramatically during his tenure, and Chief Duling provided remarkable leadership during this time. He had the tenacity to hold officers to the highest standards while also being fair. It was a hallmark of his approach.”
