Outgoing chief faces major task
Outgoing Decatur Police Chief Leonard Corral Jr. will be facing a major task in his new post with Adams Health Network: developing a security program for the entire network.
The city native completed five years as police chief on January 1, having been appointed by former mayor Ken Meyer, and has spent 29 years in law enforcement. His final day with the PD will be March 3.
In a statement, Adams Memorial Hospital’s in-house counsel, Adam Miller, said Corral “will take the lead in developing a security program and establishing safety protocols for the hospital, the medical office buildings, Adams Woodcrest, and Adams Heritage.”
According to Miller, hospital leadership has discussed the possibility of creating a formal security program for several years.
“We are grateful for the support that we have received from the Decatur Police Department and the Adams County Sheriff’s Department,” Miller said. “However, with the number of tragedies that have occurred in schools and places of employment, we believe that the time is right to create a security program so that patients, visitors, and staff are safe.
“We believe that Lennie Corral is the right person for the position.”
Corral’s lengthy career in law enforcement was one key factor in his selection.
“We are excited to have Lennie Corral join us at Adams Health Network. Lennie comes to us with a great deal of law enforcement experience that we believe makes him the right person to head security for the network.” Miller explained.
Mayor Dan Rickord took note at the recent Decatur City Council meeting of Corral’s decision. Pointing out that “there was absolutely nothing negative” about the departure of Corral and wishing him “all the best,” Rickord read aloud parts of the chief’s resignation letter.
In his letter, Corral pointed out that “being a Police Officer was a dream of mine.” He thanked the mayor and council members “for a great working relationship. Your trust in me allowed me to make all of the necessary changes needed at the police department to keep up with the changing times.
“I am also proud of the amazing work my officers do every day and night to keep the City of Decatur safe.”
At that meeting, Corral thanked the mayor and council, noting that “you have given me a lot. I think we had good communication. You are just as committed as I am, you have been great to work with.”
He closed by saying, “We have a great police department.”