Former Manassas Park Police Chief John Fenner Dies At Age 64

MANASSAS PARK, VA — John D. Fenner, the former police chief of Manassas Park, died unexpectedly at his home in Louisa County on Wednesday at the age of 64, the city’s police department announced Friday.

Fenner was hired by the Manassas Park Police in September 1979 at the age of 22. He rose through the ranks and was promoted to lieutenant in March 1987. Fenner held that position until April 2000, when he was promoted to acting chief following the retirement of late Chief William "Bill" Francis Keifer Jr.

On July 1, 2000, Fenner was promoted to chief of police where he remained until he announced his retirement in May 2002.

Upon his retirement from the Manassas Park Police Department, Fenner moved to Las Vegas where he became the head of security for Wayne Newton, also known as The Midnight Idol, Mr. Las Vegas and Mr. Entertainment.

Fenner eventually returned to Virginia and moved to Lake Anna, where he opened a nearby ice cream shop.

"In his retirement, Chief Fenner was never a stranger to Manassas Park," the police department said in a statement. "You could always find him dining with friends and family at local establishments, always with a smile on his face, and would stop a conversation in mid-sentence to shake hands with friends that walked by."

Funeral arrangements will be released at a later date, the police department said.