Sergeant Joseph C. Gentile, of the Washington D. C. Metropolitan Police Department, has retired after a 40-year career on the police force. He is one of the most well known public information officers in the region.  For the last 35 years of his career, he has served in this critical role, and he knows every camera man in town by name.  With his unrelenting work ethic, that has encompassed 14-hour work days devoid of vacations, Gentile devoted his life and career to the police department.  He is highly respected for his honesty, his knowledge, and his expertise in relating critical incidents to the public, and he has earned the respect of the Washington media.

Many describe Gentile as “old school,” but his integrity and values have always been unquestioned.  Straightforward in his approach and known for his ability to be sensitive to victims of crime and survivors, Gentile has been adept at handling a wide range cases including, among many, those of high profile that included the Air Florida crash, the attempted assassination of former President Reagan, and the shooting deaths of deaf students at Gallaudet College for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, to name a few.
Throughout his tenure in the department, his door always remained open and the welcome mat was out for anyone who entered his office.  He would greet everyone with a warm smile and a tremendous sense of humor that would leave his guests departing with a chuckle and always feeling better for having crossed his path.

Sgt. Gentile has been a unique public information officer, police officer, and public servant in all ways.  Having been a familiar face to the public for many years, he has become a legend in his own right.   The Washington Metropolitan region has been very fortunate to have him in its midst, and he deserves profound gratitude for his myriad contributions to public service.  Sgt. Gentile will be sorely missed, and his departure leaves a colossal void embraced with fond memories.