The official deliberation process of picking the next Bristol Borough Chief of Police will begin at next weeks borough council meeting.

Outgoing Police Chief Steve Henry, announced last month he will officially retire in November after six plus years of leading the department. 

Council President Ralph DiGuiseppe said recently he was “shocked” by the chiefs plan to retire in November.

When asked what will the hiring process be like for the next police chief, DiGuiseppe said we’ll begin discussions about that at next months council meeting.

Henry, who was hired by Bristol in 2016, replaced Arnold Porter in the position, who had been police chief of the department for 14 years.

Second in the line of command at the department, Sgt Joe Moors said about Henry’s retirement. “I want to thank Chief Henry for all his years working in law enforcement, especially the last six here with us in Bristol Borough. I wish him well in his retirement.”

Moors, locals say, should be considered to be the next chief with his three decades plus of service to the borough. Moors would not comment about the position or if he intends to apply for the position.

For Henry, locals point to his leadership for the success of last summers protest march in Bristol. Organizers said at the time, Henry was a key element in helping to have the protest held in the borough without incident. With an atmosphere of fear hanging in the air as some businesses boarded up windows and entrance ways, Henry’s participation in meetings with organizers “paved the way for a peaceful day” with thousands flooding Bristol for the peaceful protest.

Subsequently, Henry was hailed for his work on the protest by officials and organizers of the peace rally.

Morris Derry CEO of No More Pain, Inc said at the time, this day couldn’t have happened without the input and hard work of Chief Henry.

“We’re losing a good man,” said DiGuiseppe.

Henry is set to officially retire on November 17, 2021.