Watch Retirement Farewell In Newark For Beloved Police Chief

NEWARK, NJ — Newark offered a big thank-you to its retiring chief of police, Darnell Henry, during a public ceremony on Wednesday.

Henry joined the Newark Police Division in 1994 and immediately distinguished himself as a “hardworking and knowledgeable police officer,” city officials said in a news release.

According to officials:

“[Henry’s] rise through the ranks began in 1998, when [he] became a detective, leading him to the Robbery/Homicide Section. In 2002, he was detailed to the Candidate Investigation Division of the Internal Affairs Unit. After returning to the Homicide Section and becoming a supervising sergeant, Henry and his detectives made national headlines by arresting several men in one of Newark's most infamous and horrific crimes, dubbed the ‘Mount Vernon School Yard Killings’ in 2007. Henry was later chosen to supervise the newly re-established County Cold Case Unit, which successfully closed out a total of 14 Cold Case Homicides, most notably a 31-1/2 year-old missing person's case involving six black teenagers who vanished in 1976. In 2010, Henry and his team arrested two men for murder in this case.”

Newark city officials continued:

“In June 2012, Henry was transferred to the Fugitive Apprehension Unit and became supervisor with the newly formed Major Crimes Unit in 2013. He was later tapped to lead the Executive Protection Unit in July 2014. As Commander, Henry was tasked with supervising EPU, City Hall Liaison, Intelligent Section and TARU. In 2016, having served over 22 years with the Newark Police Division, Henry was sworn-in as Chief of Police to direct the day-to-day operations of the entire police division alongside Public Safety Director Ambrose. He leaves a distinguished, 26-year legacy of exemplary public service and insightful leadership.”

Watch his farewell ceremony below.

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