Amidst growing concern among Henderson residents, the saga of former Henderson Police Chief Hollie Chadwick's departure from office continues to unfold. As FOX5 reported, Chadwick was faced with an ultimatum to either take a three-week leave, resign with a settlement or be terminated with cause. This decision came to light after a formal complaint, filed on December 10, accused Chadwick of discriminatory actions and "union busting" against members of the Henderson Police Supervisor Association (HPSA).
The complaint specifically mentioned HPSA President Lieutenant Charles Hedrick, alleging he had been singled out by Chadwick for his union activities. Given an ultimatum in a closed-door meeting, and with Chadwick now on leave, Deputy Chief Itzhak Henn has stepped in as acting Chief of Police. Notably, Channel 13's investigation drew attention to the department's turbulent history with its chiefs over the past decade, and now, residents call for transparency in these matters.
"This just kind of came out of nowhere," expressed one local, while another added, "We are all curious what happened." These sentiments, shared in interviews by Channel 13, encapsulate the community's dismay and its hunger for clear communication from city officials. "As a citizen, I think it's important for everybody to know why, and the fact that they said that she needs to resign or she's going to be fired like that doesn't feel good," conveyed Amy Terry, a Henderson resident.
Hedrick claimed the contentious changes to union leave usage were a punitive response from Chadwick related to his union role. This ongoing dispute led the HPSA to file a complaint against Chadwick for denying use of union leave, pursuing both an apology and cessation of any unfair labor practices. After Hedrick used six union days, reportedly causing overtime, he insisted each occasion was valid, according to the complaint obtained by FOX5.
With Chadwick out of office, residents hope the next chief can provide the stability and transparency that seems to have eluded the HPD in recent years. "It's a really big position. It's a big deal. We want to make sure that we are protected, and we want to make sure that the person who is leading those people are honest and forthright," another concerned citizen told Channel 13. Despite these troubled waters, the community's plea for clarity and leadership integrity remains strong as this administrative drama unfolds.
