LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Henderson Police Chief Hollie Chadwick was supposed to be at Tuesday’s Henderson City Council meeting before she was ousted last week.
However, her name was still brought up by many members of the community and the police department who showed up to make sure the council knew not everyone agreed with the decision.
“This decision did not come lightly,” said Mayor Michelle Romero.
The decision about Chief Chadwick was discussed in the same room, Romero once praised Chadwick when she was sworn in as chief back in May of 2023.
“I’m excited to see you in this position,” Romero said at the swearing in ceremony.
Less than two years later, that position was stripped by newly appointed Henderson City Manager, Stephanie Garcia- Vause.
Despite Garcia-Vause staying tight lipped during Tuesday’s city council meeting, council members had no choice but to comment on it as dozens of members of the community and police department showed up in support of Chadwick.
“Despite our personal feelings as council members, we must refrain from interfering in areas outside of our command,” Romero said.
However, it did get personal as councilwoman Carrie Cox made it clear she was “disappointed” with how this matter was handled.
Cox questioned Garcia-Vause’s decision to show Chadwick the door.
“The city council has the legal rights to dismiss and replace the city manager in situations like this if they do not agree with the decision of the city manager. I’m not necessarily suggesting that,” Cox said.
The rest of her colleagues took a different stance, which divided the elected officials and added tension to Tuesday’s meeting.
“I support our city, I support the decision that was made,” councilwoman Monica Larsen said.
Councilman Jim Seebock also echoed those thoughts but told the public he also supports the police department.
Seebock was mid-sentence when the crowd interrupted him.
Romero had to remind the crowd a few times to ‘have some decorum.”
“You guys have the opportunity to not screw it up again,” Jeff Crampton said.
“For this woman to come in here after one month and do what you did, karma will come,’ said one member as she looked directly at Garcia-Vause.
Outside the meeting, FOX5 asked Romero about the fingers being pointed at the city manager, who has been with the city for more than 30 years.
“She doesn’t make a decision that is not really looked through. She’s been the city’s assistant city manager position for a very long time before this, she’s had interactions with all, for all of that time. I trust her to make the right decision for the city as a whole and that’s exactly what she’s doing here, Romero said.
However, what went into making this decision is yet to come.
Chadwick is on leave until March 6th.
FOX5 sources say that is when she will have to let the city know if she will resign with a hefty settlement or be fired with cause.
Sources had also told FOX5, Chadwick’s management style clashed with the union.
Some of those allegations were made in a complaint against the city of Henderson and Chadwick by the Henderson Police Supervisors Association.
For now, Deputy Chief Itzhack Henn is the acting chief.
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