Henderson Police Deparment Chief Heath Cox announces his retirement

Henderson Police Chief Heath Cox announced he will retire at the end of February, according to a department news release. 

Cox, who joined the Henderson Police Department in 2001, worked his way up from patrol and investigation duty to secure the top leadership position in 2018. 

Upon taking the job, Cox made it a goal to bolster the department's ranks by hiring retirees, smoothing out the hiring process and increasing pay for officers.

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"Overall, I feel like the department is in a stronger position than it was when I took the seat," Cox said in his retirement announcement. 

Henderson City Manager Buzzy Newman said city staff are already searching for a candidate to fill the position once Cox retires, according to the news release.

"We are evaluating the hiring approach and will determine the process very soon," Newman said. 

Cox added that he was grateful the City of Henderson gave him the chance to lead the only department he's ever worked for, and gave thanks to his mentors.

"I don't think anyone really achieves anything alone without others to invest in them," he said. "I had multiple supervisors and officers take me under their wing and teach me how to do the job well." 

Houston Harwood can be contacted at walter.harwood@courierpress.com with story ideas and questions. Twitter: @houston_whh | Instagram: @harwoodhouston