Henderson Police Fire New Officer After 48 Hours For DUI
Well, that was quick. On Thursday, the Henderson Police Department congratulated 14 new officers to their ranks. They completed the police academy and were set to serve and protect their community. Two days later, one of those new officers was fired after being busted for driving under the influence.
34 year old Chasen Bradford was hired by the city back in September, but officially graduated into officer status just last week. However, late on Friday, March 22nd, he was pulled over by one of his new co-workers. He was arrested and later booked at the Henderson Detention Center on one count of DUI.
The next day, Saturday, March 23rd, Bradford was stripped of his duties and fired by the Henderson Police Department.
Henderson Police Chief Pulled No Punches
Needless to say Henderson Police Department Chief Hollie Chadwick was none too pleased with the arrest and made sure to make it clear that behavior like this wouldn’t be tolerated.
“Driving Under the Influence poses serious risks to our community and the Henderson Police Department will have zero tolerance for this behavior,” Chadwick said in a press release. “Our valley cannot afford to lose further lives due to the actions of our motorists, this includes members of the Henderson Police Department.”
Not The First Time Henderson Police Have Dealt With DUI Within Ranks
The strong language used in Chief Chadwick’s statement might have something to do with how a prior internal DUI was handled.
According to the Las Vegas Review Journal, Henderson PD officer Katherine Cochran was recommended by the then police chief Thedrick Andres to be fired along with two others who allegedly tried to cover up the wreck their co-worker was in. Instead of doing so, then Captain Chadwick gave the officers “minor discipline”.
The Las Vegas valley often finds itself among the worst in DUI arrests nationwide.