Arlington PD Mourns Former Chief David Kunkle with DFW Community

Published on July 14, 2023

By Arlington Police Department

The Arlington Police Department released the following statement regarding the passing of former Police Chief David Kunkle:

It is with great sadness and profound respect that we join the DFW community in mourning the loss of a remarkable man and public servant, Former Arlington Police Chief David Kunkle, Badge #1000.

Chief Kunkle led APD from 1985-1999 and then continued to serve the City of Arlington as a Deputy City Manager. He also served as the Chief of the Grand Prairie and Dallas Police Departments during his storied and impactful career.

Chief Kunkle oversaw the opening of the Ott Cribbs Public Safety Center, was instrumental in the creation of our Honor Guard, and helped shape APD's legacy as a leader in community policing.

Those here at APD who worked for him often share stories about his sharp wit and his keen ability to remember his employees' names and assignments -- which makes how he was taken from us even more heartbreaking.

We were deeply honored when he and his family paid us a visit in 2021 to donate several of his personal items, including his old badges, to the department. These important pieces of APD history will help us keep his story and legacy alive for many years to come.

Our hearts are with his family, his friends, and all of the employees whose lives he touched.