Deputy Police Chief Jerry Sennett announced that he will retire from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department on November 1, 2008.Chief Sennett began his CMPD career on September 5, 1979 and has served in Patrol, Vice and Narcotics, Training, and Support Services during his tenure with the department. He is currently the Deputy Chief over CMPD’s Field Services Group South. Chief Sennett has been a strong proponent of community policing and has been instrumental in building partnerships between CMPD and a variety of community organizations.
In announcing his retirement, Chief Sennett stated, “It has been an honor for me to spend 29 years at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and to be a part of the department’s evolution into one of the finest urban police departments in the country. I have had the privilege of working with talented and dedicated officers and value the relationships that we have built with the community. I felt that it was time to move on to the next chapter in my life and I look forward to using the experience I have gained to meet new challenges.”
Chief Rodney Monroe praised Chief Sennett’s service to CMPD: “Jerry Sennett has served this department and this community with distinction for 29 years. He has been a tremendous asset to me during my first few months in the department; he has helped me understand the department’s history, structure, and procedures and has been a valued advisor as we have worked through our recent reorganization. We will miss Jerry’s experience and guidance but I wish him well as he moves on to other opportunities.”
City Manager Curt Walton also praised Chief Sennett’s 29 years of service: “Jerry has been instrumental in many areas and, in particular, leading our Support Services and Field Services Groups. His leadership, contributions and accomplishments go far beyond this organization. His work with citizens, families, and victims of crime truly showed his commitment to and passion for law enforcement. The relationships he helped build with residents, neighborhoods, businesses and local officials are a testament to how well he served our organization.”
Chief Sennett’s successor will be announced at a later date.