29-05-2025
Henderson appoints LVMPD deputy chief as new police chief
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Henderson's city manager announced the appointment of Reggie Rader, a deputy chief with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, as its new chief of police at a news conference Wednesday.
The city manager, Stephanie Garcia-Vause, fired Rader's predecessor, Hollie Chadwick, in March. In an exclusive interview with the 8 News Now Investigators, Chadwick – who is now running against the incumbent Michelle Romero in the 2026 mayoral election – insists that Romero pushed her out of the city's top law enforcement position after less than two years.
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Rader was appointed as police chief after a relatively brief search. In April, Garcia-Vause announced she would complete the search for a new chief by summertime.
'We conducted an extensive and deliberate search to find the right leader to guide our police department into its next chapter,' Garcia-Vause said. 'Reggie brings a notable combination of professional excellence, deep community roots, and a long-term vision for Henderson's public safety. We're confident in his ability to bring our policing services to the next level.'
Rader has nearly 30 years of experience in public safety and community policing across Southern Nevada. He started as a volunteer explorer with LVMPD and then rose through the ranks to his current role as LVMPD deputy chief of the Homeland Security Division.
As deputy chief of the Homeland Security Division, he leads more than 400 sworn and civilian personnel and oversees critical areas, including the Office of Community Engagement, the Homeless Outreach Team, the Southern Nevada Counter Terrorism Center, crime analytics, event planning, and more.
Throughout his time with LVMPD, Rader also served as deputy chief of the East Patrol Services Division, captain of the Organizational Development Bureau, captain of the Southeast Area Command and detective, sergeant, and lieutenant of the gang unit and other specialized units.
In 2016 Rader was awarded the highest law enforcement honor, The Medal of Valor. Rader was a long-time member of the LVMPD Honor Guard, recognized with several Exemplary Service Awards and was instrumental in establishing the Incident Command System following the 1 October mass shooting.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration from Columbia Southern University and is a graduate of both the FBI National Academy and the Senior Management Institute for Police.
Rader is a proud Green Valley High School graduate and a longtime Henderson resident.
'I'm honored to serve the City where I grew up,' Rader said. 'This department is filled with dedicated professionals who care deeply about their work and the community. My goal is to support them fully, lead with transparency, and ensure we set next-level standards in policing. I look forward to collaborating with our officers, union leadership, City leadership, and the community.'
Rader is expected to begin Monday, July 7 and an Oath of Office ceremony is set to take place during a special Henderson City Council meeting on July 15.
Henderson begins hiring process for new police chief; decision expected by summer
Chadwick's immediate replacement, acting Chief Itzhak Henn, announced his retirement four weeks ago. The city, in a written statement, told the 8 News Now Investigators that it anticipated Henn's retirement.
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