FRANKLIN—A memorial service was held Monday for Gary D. Falls, a well-known Franklin police officer who died after a short illness.

“He was a fine man and he was quite a complement to our organization,” said Franklin Police Chief Phil Hardison. “We will miss him.”

Falls, 63, died June 18, at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.

He served as a police officer for 40 years, first with the Norfolk Police Department and later with the Smithfield Police Department, Isle of Wight Sheriff’s Office and the city of Franklin Police Department until his passing.

He was a former DARE officer in Isle of Wight County and a former school resource officer in the city of Franklin. Falls was a member of the Franklin/Southampton Fraternal Order of Police and a former Carrsville volunteer firefighter.

The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to the Trooper Robert Hill Toy Drive, c/o the Bronco Federal Credit Union, 135 Stewart Drive, Franklin, VA 23851.