Evesham Police Chief Thomas Reinholt (left to right), Councilman Christian Smith, Deputy Mayor Heather Cooper, Mayor Jaclyn Veasy, Officer Rich Hernandez, and council members Dr. Krystal Hunter and Joseph Fisicaro Jr at a February council meeting.
Evesham Mayor Jackie Veasy recently swore in Rich Hernandez as a Class II Officer in the township police department at a council meeting.
Hernandez retired in September following a 25-year career that consisted of several roles in the department, including K-9 officer, detective and field training officer. He was named the township’s officer of the month in 2015, after investigating a motor-vehicle burglary in progress involving what he described as three suspicious males in a township parking lot.
Hernandez subsequently got a confession from the men regarding other burglaries. His interview skills and commitment led to the recovery of stolen currency, electronic devices and other personal items, according to the department.
Hernandez also taught self-defense skills to EMS members at a county symposium, skills that can help emergency personnel de-escalate volatile situations in cases of intoxication or mental illness.
Evesham Police Chief Thomas Reinholt noted at the meeting that Hernandez is returning to the force as a Special Law Enforcement Officer (SLEO) Class 2. In that role, he will leverage his extensive experience in the department’s training unit to assist the newest officers.
“We have the luxury and ability, thanks to Mayor (Jaclyn Veasy) and council, to bring back some of our retired officers as special officers,” Reinholt noted. ” … Rich has an extreme background as far as training, and all of his experience will be very beneficial to our personnel. He’s going to be working hands-on with our new officers, our senior officers, as well aw the community (through) different programs and training opportunities.
“We’re very honored to have him back.
