Henderson Welcomes Watson as ‘your’ new police CHIEG
A packed-house gathering at a special Henderson City Council meeting Tuesday welcomed Latesha Watson as the city’s new police chief.
Watson took the oath of office and received a bouquet of orange flowers from Jim Coleman, president of Sun City Anthem’s African American Heritage Club.
City Manager Bob Murnane announced in September that he had selected Watson, a former deputy police chief in Arlington, Texas, for the position.
“Throughout all of my hard work, what everyone always saw me as was a leader — no matter what I looked like,” Watson said after taking the ceremonial oath and receiving a standing ovation. “I look forward to all we are going to accomplish as a team. I’m not the chief. I’m your chief.”
Watson, 40, became Henderson’s second female police chief. Jutta Chambers, who served as chief from 2008 to 2012, was the other.
Former Police Chief Patrick Moers “voluntarily separated” from the department in June after being placed on administrative leave. He was investigated after sending mailers to local business owners promoting Friends of the Henderson Police Department.
Henderson Mayor Debra March said she knows Watson will bring strong leadership skills to the department — not just from her experience, but from her education. Watson earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s in criminology from the University of North Texas and a doctorate in management and organizational leadership from the University of Phoenix.
Watson’s former colleagues from the Arlington Police Department said they are confident Watson will excel as Henderson’s new chief.
“She’s not only a bright light, but a selfless leader,” said Arlington Police Department Lt. Thedrick Andrews, who worked with Watson for 13 years. “She leads from the back and allows officers to grow and develop. She’s also a huge supporter of diversity. I honestly believe she’s the right person for the job.”