Alexandria Police Chief Charles Samarra said a feeling that he had accomplished all he’d set out to achieve — coupled with intense feelings of responsibility for the officers he oversees — led to his decision to retire.
“It’s just time to move on,” Samarra told The Examiner. “I want to leave when everyone can say, ‘Hey, he’s done a good job.’ ”
Samarra, 60, said retirement first entered his mind about a year ago along with feelings that his work was not as challenging anymore.
“I need to be challenged and I need to be able to fix things. I’m kind of at the top of the mountain now. The Alexandria Police Department now, in every area I can think of, is at the top of the heap,” he said. “What is there left that I really want to do and accomplish?”
Samarra dismissed the notion that stress from the Fairfax shootings is the reason for his retirement, which becomes effective Aug. 1. However, he said the shootings brought back memories of officers lost in 39 years of police service and reminded him of the difficulties and emotions involved with managing police officers.
“I’ve lost a number of officers in my career. It brings back a lot of memories. I go to visit the families [of the deceased officers]. I’ve got Christmas cards from them sitting on my desk,” he said, adding that since taking over the Alexandria department 16 years ago he has lost two officers to suicide.
Samarra is from a small town outside of Pittsburgh and came to the District after graduating from college in New York State. He worked for the District police department for 23 years, holding various positions and advancing to the highest levels of leadership. He counts working the 1968 riots and investigating Marion Berry as highlights of his time on the District’s force.
He took over the Alexandria department in 1990 and said he has increased the number of minority officers, increased accountability and kept the department under budget.
Samarra said his options for the future are open, and include teaching and writing a book on his experiences.
“I’m still young, and still healthy. There are a lot of other things in life that I’d like to do,” he said.
Police Chief Charles Samarra
» Samarra credited former Alexandria City Manager Vola Lawson with convincing him to come to Alexandria in 1990.
» Samarra’s wife worked as a District police officer for more three years, before joining the Secret Service. They live in Charles County, Maryland.
