HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. (WSPA) – Hendersonville Police Chief Herbert Blake announced Monday he will be leaving the police department.
Blake’s last day will be Friday, August 21, according to a news release from the City of Hendersonville. He has been the police chief for more than 12 years.
Chief Blake released the following statement:
“It has been an honor to serve the citizens of Hendersonville for almost 13 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.”
Chief Blake
An interim chief will be selected, and a plan for the chief selection process will be presented to City Council at their September meeting, according to the release.
On Tuesday, the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office announced Blake has been hired as chief deputy.
“Chief Blake has led the Hendersonville PD in a professional and responsive manner for the last 12 years. Both law enforcement professionals and the community he served in Hendersonville will tell you he is well-respected and appreciated. It took me some time to get Chief Blake to leave a good situation and now I am excited about the opportunity to work with him in serving the people of Buncombe County and continuing to implement 21st Century policing.”
Buncombe County Sheriff Quentin Miller
Chief Blake released the following statement about the new position:
“Hendersonville is a wonderful city. And I am proud of the many service oriented initiatives we implemented with the men and women of HPD during my stewardship there. Still, having an opportunity to serve in a leadership position with Sheriff Miller at the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office during this important time in society presents a unique professional opportunity. I look forward to serving with the men and women of the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office. I know they, like Sheriff Miller, are eager to excel and make a positive difference in Buncombe County.”
Chief Blake