Front Royal Bids a Fond Farewell to Its Chief of Police

On Thursday, October 24, between 2 and 5 p.m., the town of Front Royal turned out in force for a farewell party at the Volunteer Fire Department on Commerce Avenue, anticipating the October 31 retirement of Kahle Magalis from his capacity as chief of police, which he has maintained for seven years, in which he developed a reputation for integrity and effectiveness. Addressing the crowd, he said there are aspects of the job he will not miss, but what he will miss is all his colleagues and friends, people he has enjoyed working with and getting to know. Although there are things he wishes he could have accomplished in the Front Royal Police Department that never came to fruition, he is confident that he is leaving it better than he found it. “It’s like the path was paved for me,” he commented. “Working with all you guys has just made this so much easier to do than it seems. I feel like I’m cheating sometimes because I’ve got so many fantastic people on my side to make this happen. It’s had some challenges but by and large, because of all of you, it has been a fantastic journey.”

Above: Front Royal Police Chief Kahle Magalis addresses colleagues and friends at a farewell party in his honor as he anticipates retirement on October 31. Below: give it arrest! Royal Examiner Photo Credits: Roger Bianchini.

Sheriff Crystal Cline holds Chief Magalis in high regard. In an email interview following the party, she said: “It’s hard to find the words to fully express how much Chief Kahle Magalis’ retirement means to me personally. He has been not just a leader but a true mentor and friend, always there with support and guidance. His belief in me during my bid for Sheriff and the years we’ve worked side by side have been invaluable. Kahle’s dedication to our community and his friendship have left a lasting impact on my life, and I will forever be grateful. I wish him nothing but the best as he steps into his next adventure, whatever that may be—he has more than earned it.”

Chief Magalis stands beside his proud mother, Becky.

Town Manager Joe Waltz also speaks well of Magalis. “I first met Kahle in 2016 at the Sheriff’s Office when I was recruiting for a chief of police. When I met him, I said, ‘This guy would make a great chief of police!’ To be honest with you, it was the best decision I ever made.” It was the first hire Waltz made as a town manager in 2017, having been an interim town manager in 2016. “Kahle’s dedicated to this community. He’s been a leader of this community and a friend. He has served this community for the last seven years. He has dedicated his life to law enforcement. I am really excited for him for the new chapter. I think that he has laid the foundation for us to grow upon.”

Sheriff Crystal Cline stands by Chief Kahle Magalis, whom she considers a beloved friend. Photo credit: Brenden McHugh.

Filling the vacancy is Captain Brian Whited, who will take over Magalis’s role on November 1. Magalis says with a smile that he is not leaving the area. “This is home.”