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Murrieta Welcomes New Police Chief

A Strong Leader with Deep Community Ties

By Ashley Cunningham - Publisher, Macaroni Kid Temecula-Murrieta-French Valley August 26, 2024

As a mom, community safety is always at the forefront of my mind, so I’m excited to share some important news that will impact all of us in Murrieta. The City of Murrieta has just announced that Captain Matt Henry will be stepping into the role of Chief of Police later this year, following the retirement of Chief Anthony Conrad. This appointment brings a sense of continuity and trust, as Captain Henry is not only an experienced law enforcement officer but also a dedicated member of our community.

Captain Henry’s journey to this role is impressive. With 24 years of experience in law enforcement, he began his career with the San Diego Police Department in 2000 before joining the Murrieta Police Department in 2005. Over the years, he has taken on various roles, including Patrol, SWAT, Internal Affairs, and Administration. For the past four years, he has served as a Police Captain, overseeing both the Operations and Support divisions within the department.

City Manager Kim Summers expressed her confidence in Captain Henry, emphasizing his ability to build and maintain strong relationships not only within the police department but also with the community and City Hall. "Our relationship with residents is what we are known for, and I know Captain Henry will ensure Murrieta remains a safe and connected city," she said. This focus on community connection is something that resonates deeply with many of us who call Murrieta home.

Captain Henry’s predecessor, Chief Anthony Conrad, also voiced his strong support, noting that Henry was the first Captain he promoted during his tenure as Chief. He praised Captain Henry’s commitment to professionalism, integrity, and trust-building within the department, stating, “Matt will continue to hire the best, be a good steward of our police budget and keep Murrieta as one of the safest cities in the nation.”

In addition to his extensive law enforcement experience, Captain Henry holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from San Diego State University and a Master’s Degree in Management from the University of Redlands. He’s also a graduate of the Police Executive Research Forum’s Executive Police Management School and the California POST Executive Development Program. But perhaps what’s most comforting to know as a parent is that Captain Henry, his wife Alyssa, and their four children—Jacob, Kaelyn, Emry, and Ella—are not just part of our city; they are part of our community, living and raising their family here in Murrieta.

As Captain Henry prepares to take on this new role, we can feel confident that Murrieta will continue to thrive as a safe and supportive environment for our families. His deep ties to the community and his commitment to building trust and maintaining safety make him an ideal choice to lead our police department.

For more updates on local news, events, and resources that matter to families in Murrieta, be sure to visit temecula.macaronikid.com. Let’s continue to stay informed and connected as our community grows and evolves.

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