News
Henderson Police Chief Retires
June 25, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE NEWS RELEASE
PLEASE CONTACT CINDY HERMAN, (702) 267-2051
Henderson, Nev. – Richard Perkins, police chief for the city of Henderson, has announced his retirement from the police department effective September 5, 2008, after 25 years of service with the city.
It is with a sense of great pride and accomplishment that I announce I will be retiring as Chief of Police for the city of Henderson,” said Perkins. “Serving as chief has been the culmination of 25 rewarding years in law enforcement. However, it is time for me to seek my new challenges in the private sector."
Chief Perkins joined the police department in 1984 and served as a field training officer, police investigator, sergeant, captain, and deputy police chief. In 2006, he was named the tenth police chief since Henderson’s incorporation in 1953.“When I was honored with the opportunity to lead the department two years ago it was with the understanding that my task was to shape it for the future. I feel that has been accomplished and am confident that the safety of the city will be in competent hands and that the Henderson Police Department will remain the finest in the country.”
When Perkins joined the department in 1984, the police department had approximately 30 officers. Today the department employs 391 officers and 150 civilian employees.
“Over the course of his career, Chief Perkins has been integral to helping mold the Henderson Police Department into one of the finest law enforcement agencies in the state,” said Henderson Mayor James B. Gibson. “We appreciate all he has done for our city and commend him for his long and distinguished service to the people of Henderson. While we will certainly miss his leadership we want to wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”
Under Chief Perkins’ leadership, the city of Henderson Police Department was reaccredited through the Commission for Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) in 2005 and 2008. Initial accreditation was obtained in 2002. Perkins was also instrumental in the creation of the department’s first mounted patrol, which will begin in July.“Chief Perkins has been an extraordinary leader and has brought a mentoring atmosphere to the city’s police department,” said Mary Kay Peck, Henderson city manager. “He has made remarkable contributions that have led the police department to reach a high level of respect throughout the state and has served and protected this community with great pride.”
Born in Boulder City and raised in Henderson, Chief Perkins is a graduate of Basic High School and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas where he earned undergraduate degrees in both Criminal Justice and Political Science. He is also a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy.# # #