Newark Welcomes Native Son As New Police Chief: Darnell Henry

NEWARK, NJ — It’s official, Newark. Darnell Henry is your new police chief.

Henry, who has been serving as acting chief since his appointment earlier this year, was permanently sworn into his duties during a ceremony at Newark Tech Essex County Vocational School on West Market Street last week.

According to a city news release, Henry – whose childhood dream was to become a Newark police officer - was born in 1969 in Newark and raised in the city's Central Ward, graduating from Newark Technical High School in 1987.

Henry has 22 years of service with the Newark Police Division, beginning with his graduation from the Newark Police Academy as part of its 101st Recruit Class in 1994. He has served in patrol work, as a detective, the Candidate Investigation Division of Internal Affairs and in both the NPD’s robbery and homicide sections.

Henry and his squad received multiple accolades for the arrest of the suspects responsible for the "Mount Vernon School Yard Killings,” and as a result, in 2007, Henry was chosen to supervise the re-established Essex County Cold Case Unit.

In July 2014, Henry was tapped to head the Newark Police Executive Protection Unit, where he was responsible for coordinating and managing the safety and wellbeing of Newark's mayor, other elected officials and dignitaries.

He was named acting chief earlier this year.

“I look forward to working with our many federal, state, and county law enforcement partners to work to improve the quality of life for all of those who live, work, and play in the city of Newark,” Henry said during his Aug. 5 swearing in ceremony. “As a Newark native who grew up in this city, I’m committed to creating a safe environment for my neighbors and fellow citizens, in which to own businesses, raise families, and enjoy Newark.”

Photo: Newark Department of Public Safety, Twitter

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