Press release from the city of Hendersonville:
For more than twelve years, Herbert Blake has dutifully served as the Chief of the Hendersonville Police Department. Chief Herbert Blake has announced he will be leaving the department; his last day with the City of Hendersonville is Friday, August 21.
During his tenure, Chief Blake placed a high priority on providing professional law enforcement services to the community. Shortly after becoming Chief, he implemented the police department’s body camera program to improve accountability and transparency. The motor bike unit and business district officer program were devolped under his watch, as well as recognizing employee accomplishments in an annual awards program.
Chief Blake developed community engagement strategies for improving communications with the public that include the HPD App, monthly statistic reports, and On Duty podcast that provides safety tips to listeners. Other priorities included expanding diversity in the department’s ranks and establishing policies focused on deescalation techniques and effective department-wide practice of the use of force continuum. Other accomplishments incuded taking the department through a risk management review process with the League of Municipalities and starting a partnership with Trauma Intervention Program (TIP) to offer support and resources to victims.
The City of Hendersonville thanks Police Chief Herbert Blake for his years of service to the community and wishes him the best in his future endeavors.
Statement from Chief Herbert Blake:
“It has been an honor to serve the citizens of Hendersonville for almost thirteen years. The Hendersonville Police Department has grown in many ways under my leadership that I am very proud of. We have assembled a great team of professionals that will continue to do an outstanding job in the community.”
An Interim Chief will be selected ahead of Chief Blake’s departure. A plan for the Chief selection process will be presented to City Council at their September meeting.
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