Bristol’s New Police Chief Reports For Duty

Steven Henry retired from police work in 2014 and took a job in corporate security for New Jersey Resources. After the stint of being retired from police work, he is out of the private sector and now serving as Bristol Borough’s new chief of police.

Henry said there was something special about police work that he missed. That factor is one of the reasons he applied when he saw Bristol was hiring a new chief to lead its department.

“Obviously I miss police work very much, so I’m going back to it,” Henry said in a recent phone interview.

Henry on Wednesday was sworn in as the borough’s newest police chief by District Judge Frank Peranteau Sr., a former Bristol chief. With his wife, parents, daughter and son in tow, he signed his contract before a packed room of police, local politicians and involved residents. He noted his oldest daughter was not in attendance because she is currently in the military.

Henry has worked in law enforcement for 31 years and had been working in Tom’s River, New Jersey for 29 years where he rose through the ranks from patrolman to captain before retiring in 2014. The New Jersey department has 160 sworn officers who protected more than 90,000 residents, while Bristol has under 20 officers and just under 10,000 residents.

“Once you’re fortunate enough to get the position, you’re anxious to jump in with both feet,” Henry said of being hired as chief.

When asked what will change in the borough’s 20-officer police force, Henry explained that he can’t say for sure without getting immersed in it and getting a chance to evaluate its strengths and weaknesses.

According to a copy of his contract obtained by LevittownNow.com, the chief will earn $120,000 in the first year and $125,000 in the following two years of his three year deal.

Henry takes over after longtime Chief Arnold Porter retired earlier this year after a nearly 40 year career.

Henry is also required to move within 20 miles or 30 minutes driving distance from Bristol within the next six months. The new chief said he plans to relocate to the area.

“We have family in Bucks, so it works out very well,” Henry said. He and his family will be moving to Bucks County to better accommodate the new position, but Henry mentioned that they are just beginning that process.

Henry has been making his way through town and meeting local police officials. Making his way along Mill Street, he has already started to get a feeling for the type of town Bristol is. “It’s a ‘roll up your sleeves and get the job done’ kind of town, and I’m excited and honored to be a part of it,” Henry said.

Council President Ralph DiGuiseppe and Mayor Patrick Sabatini both lauded the hiring of Henry and wished him well going forward.

“I’m extremely thankful for the opportunity, It think it is a good fit,” Henry said. “I’ll be giving it 110 percent. That’s the biggest thing I can stress.”