Henrico County Chief of Police Col. Henry W. Stanley, Jr. announced today that he will retire from the division April 8, concluding nearly 50 years of service with the county.

Stanley joined Henrico Police as a patrol officer on Dec. 1, 1962, rising through the ranks to become chief on Aug. 1, 1995.

"Chief Stanley has demonstrated tireless commitment to public safety in Henrico, and his effective leadership has been a hallmark of this county for many years," said County Manager Virgil R. Hazelett. "We will sorely miss him and the level of excellence he has demonstrated in commanding our nationally accredited Division of Police."

Stanley, whose service with Henrico Police predates the use of flashing lights on the force's vehicles - they first were installed in 1964 - has seen the division become a nationally acclaimed force with some 800 personnel, including more than 580 sworn officers, and a total annual budget of more than $65 million.

"On the first day of my employment as a patrol officer, I knew law enforcement would be my lifetime career," Stanley said. "I am especially proud of the opportunity to lead Henrico Police as its chief. Every member has contributed to the success of this agency and I feel fortunate to have been a part of this outstanding team of professionals.

"I will greatly miss those with whom I have served over the years," he said. "I am confident that the members of Henrico Police will continue our tradition of providing exemplary service to all."

Under Stanley's leadership, Henrico received the Certified Crime Prevention Community designation from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services in 2002. The division has received multiple accreditations from the international Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies and the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission. For six consecutive years, it has captured first place in the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police Law Enforcement Challenge while also finishing in the top three in a similar competition sponsored by the International Association for Chiefs of Police. An emphasis on community policing has seen the development of initiatives such as the Citizens Police Academy and the Henrico Police Athletic League.

"The leadership of County Manager Virgil Hazelett and each member of the Board of Supervisors contributed to the success of Henrico Police," Stanley said. "They are committed to providing outstanding public safety to our citizens."

Stanley earned a bachelor's degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, the FBI National Executive Institute, the Senior Management Institute for Police and the Police Executive Leadership School. He serves on the governor's Secure Commonwealth Panel, the FBI Criminal Justice Advisory Board-Southern Region Working Group and is a board member of the FBI Richmond Regional Joint Terrorism Task Force. He is a past president of the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police and also serves on the Virginia Police Chiefs Foundation.