LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – It took 21 years for Hollie Chadwick to go from a Henderson Police Division worker to police chief, and town gave her 21 days to resolve the way it ought to finish.
Town introduced in an announcement Chadwick was fired after being positioned on administrative depart in February.
“On February 13, 2025, I placed Police Chief Hollie Chadwick on leave and informed her that her employment with the City was coming to an end. I respect Chief Chadwick’s 23 years of service to the City,” Garcia-Vause wrote in an announcement. “Due to that, I supplied her the chance to depart on the most effective phrases potential. Chief Chadwick selected to not signal or negotiate the phrases of the separation settlement that was supplied to her. Her at-will employment has now ended.”
Garcia-Vause wrote the choice was not based mostly upon any discovering of particular misconduct by Chief Chadwick, and it isn’t thought-about a separation for “cause.”
“I did not come to this decision lightly –rather, it was clear to me that our vision and leadership styles were not aligned,” she wrote. “My focus is on the path forward. My goal is to grow the future leaders of this department from within. To accomplish this goal, I plan to move quickly to identify and appoint a new Chief, a seasoned law enforcement professional with a proven track record to establish a foundation of stability, set the example, mentor and create a formal leadership development program in order to build a strong pipeline of future leaders who are prepared to eventually be a future Chief.”
Garcia-Vause mentioned she was grateful for the women and men of the Henderson Police Division.
8 Information Now reported Chadwick’s depart from her place on Feb. 13, and town didn’t present a purpose for the choice by Henderson Metropolis Supervisor Stephanie Garcia-Vause. Chadwick was given 21 days to resolve whether or not she can be fired or retire, in line with a number of sources.
In line with town, Chadwick served the Henderson Police Division for 21 years and held a number of management positions “including sergeant of the patrol and problem-solving group, lieutenant overseeing SWAT & more.”
Previously decade, two former Henderson police chiefs have filed lawsuits concerning their departures from town. Former chief LaTesha Watson filed in 2023 and former chief Patrick Moers filed in 2018.
8 Information Now has reached out to Chadwick and a authorized consultant for an announcement however has not obtained a response.
Town mentioned considered one of its deputy chiefs, Itzhak Henn, is the appearing chief.
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A shaky 21 days
Following Chadwick’s placement on depart, the Metropolis of Henderson was inundated with requires transparency from residents and an elected official.
Henderson Councilwoman Carrie Cox spoke to eight Information Now at some point after Chadwick’s depart and mentioned in her opinion she wished the abrupt departure was dealt with in a different way.
The identical day, representatives from the Nevada Affiliation of Public Security Officers instructed 8 Information Now Investigators the choice was “not unexpected and was a long time coming.”
The Henderson Police Supervisors Affiliation filed a grievance towards Chadwick — and the police division — in December 2024. The grievance accuses Chadwick, amongst different issues, of “union busting,” saying she “engaged in an unfair labor practice by arbitrarily punishing and retaliating against the HPSA President for conducting union business…”
On Feb. 18, the Henderson Metropolis Council met for a daily assembly which resulted in residents’ requires extra transparency concerning the police chief. Mayor Michelle Romero learn an announcement into the general public document, noting elected officers’ palms have been tied.
Henderson Metropolis Constitution Sec. 1.090 notes appointment of govt officer, such because the police chief, have to be made by town supervisor. Interference by metropolis council into a call made by town supervisor, such because the elimination of the police chief, is unauthorized, in line with Sec. 3.140.
On Feb. 19, town cancelled Cox and Councilman Dan Stewart’s public assembly with the neighborhood, only some hours after residents’ requires transparency at metropolis corridor.
The Metropolis of Henderson responded to eight Information Now questions concerning when the conferences have been canceled and for what purpose.
“Morning Meet Ups and Community Connections are City-sanctioned events that provide residents with up-to-date information on City initiatives,” metropolis employees wrote in an announcement to eight Information Now. “Staff is currently evaluating Mayor and Council engagement events to ensure they can be appropriately staffed after recent events have resulted in requests for security.”
8 Information Now had attended a number of of the “Morning Meetups” which have historically been frivolously attended and largely civil.
On Feb. 20, Henderson’s police unions introduced they pulled their endorsement from Councilwoman Carrie Cox following remarks she made in regards to the police chief’s elimination.
“The Associations stand with the City of Henderson’s right to make managerial decisions of at-will employees regarding personnel issues.” The union management wrote
Cox mentioned she earned the unions’ endorsements whereas operating for workplace and whereas serving on the council, and mentioned she is a staunch advocate and help for the police division.
“I will always support the men and women of the Henderson Police Department,” she mentioned.
On Tuesday, Mayor Romero known as a recess throughout a second of infighting between members of the council concerning the chief’s departure. The council members left the chamber whereas residents sat and spoke amongst themselves, some expressing displeasure on the abrupt adjournment.
After 21 days either side on town council known as for the preventing to finish.
