The Waxahachie Police Department announced Bittle’s passing Saturday, remembering him as a devoted public servant, friend and neighbor who dedicated his life to helping others. David Bittle served more than 20 years as a peace officer with six area agencies during his career. Before entering law enforcement, he served as a volunteer firefighter and an industrial firefighter for a defense contractor. He joined the Waxahachie Police Department in 1994 and was promoted to sergeant by 1997. In 2000, he traveled overseas for police training before eventually returning to the Waxahachie community. David Bittle retired from Waxahachie PD in January 2019 but returned to the department in February 2024 as a Public Service Officer. Later that year, he received the department’s Civilian of the Year Award. He had previously been named Police Officer of the Year while serving as a sworn officer. Police Chief Joe Wiser said Bittle’s faith played a central role in his life and that the department finds comfort in the legacy he leaves behind. “To David, we say: Rest peacefully, brother. We have the watch from here,” Wiser said. Outside of public service, Bittle had a passion for cooking. After retiring in 2019, he graduated with honors from the Culinary School of Fort Worth. Waxahachie Mayor Pro Tem Travis Smith remembered Bittle as “a servant, a friend and a man of God” whose impact reached far beyond the police department. Whether people knew him from the bowling lanes, a Bible study, a cooking class, a prayer group or one of his pop-up food events, Smith said Bittle was quick with a smile and always ready to offer encouragement, a blessing or share his faith. Community members responding to the news remembered Bittle as a kind and encouraging mentor. Several credited him with helping guide their law enforcement careers, while others recalled the support he provided during difficult moments.