Internal Emails Expose Rift Leading to Henderson Police Chief’s Dismissal

In a revealing turn of events, over 230 pages of internal communications have surfaced, highlighting the escalating tensions between former Henderson Police Chief Hollie Chadwick and City Manager Stephanie Garcia-Vause. These documents, spanning from December 2024 to February 2025, shed light on a series of concerns raised by Garcia-Vause regarding departmental operations and leadership decisions.

Among the issues addressed were allegations of favoritism, particularly an incident where Deputy Chief Jonathan Boucher solicited donations for a retirement gift using his city email. Garcia-Vause questioned whether city resources were inappropriately utilized for this purpose. Chadwick responded, confirming that no city discounts were applied in the purchase.

Another point of contention involved Chadwick’s decision to personally transport two officers involved in a shooting incident to a nearby facility, raising questions about protocol adherence. Additionally, the discovery of cocaine in a detective’s desk drawer and the subsequent lack of a drug test prompted further scrutiny.

Security lapses at the Henderson Detention Center, including an inmate’s escape through razor wire, and the unauthorized release of ICE detainee names to the media, further strained the professional relationship between Chadwick and Garcia-Vause.

Despite these concerns, Chadwick defended her actions, emphasizing her commitment to the department and its personnel. In response to the release of these documents, Chadwick’s campaign for mayor described the situation as an “orchestrated, planned, and timed destructive campaign” against her.

The culmination of these events led to Chadwick being placed on administrative leave on February 13, 2025, with an ultimatum to resign or face termination. Subsequently, Deputy Chief Boucher was also placed on leave under similar circumstances. The city has since appointed LVMPD Deputy Chief Reggie Rader as the new Henderson Police Chief, effective July 7.

This unfolding narrative raises critical questions about leadership dynamics, accountability, and transparency within municipal governance. As Henderson moves forward, the community watches closely, seeking assurance that its leaders prioritize integrity and effective stewardship.

Source: FOX5 Vegas