Longtime Rahway Police Chief Henderson dies after 50 years of city service
RAHWAY - Barry Henderson, the city's longtime former police chief, is being remembered as a hometown guy who dedicated his life to giving back to the community as a high school athlete, law enforcement officer, school board member and the city's public works director.
The city will honor Henderson, 83, who died April 2 in a memorial service 11 a.m. Thursday, rain or shine, in front of Rahway City Hall with police honors. Cremation was private and interment will be at Hazelwood Cemetery, according to his obituary.
Henderson worked for 34 years as a member of the police department and when combined with his time as the city's public works director and a board of education member, he gave the city more than 50 years of service.
“Chief Henderson embodied all the best parts of Rahway. His story is that of someone who loved their hometown and worked every day to make it better for current and future residents,” Mayor Raymond Giacobbe said. “We are honored to host his memorial service and are all endlessly grateful for the dedication and courage he showed to our community over his more than three decades of service.”
Born in Rahway in 1941, Henderson is remembered for his athletic talent from a young age. According to his obituary, he was a standout athlete at Rahway High School in basketball and baseball, receiving All-American honors in baseball. He played briefly played in the Detroit Tigers minor league system before an injury returned him to Rahway.
Henderson, a 1959 Rahway High School graduate, joined the police department in 1964. Following the 1960s riots he headed the department's Juvenile Community Relations Bureau and rose through the ranks to become police chief in 1988.
Under his leadership the department emphasized community policing, technology, training and recruitment.
Henderson retired as chief in 1998 and then took the position as Rahway's public works director where he served for 11 years before retiring.
Henderson also served for 10 years as a member of the Rahway Board of Education, and was a lifetime member of Rahway Elks BPOE 1075, the Rahway Yacht Club and the Deutscher Club of Clark.
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“Chief Henderson will be remembered with admiration, respect, and gratitude. We thank him and the Hendersonfamily for his lifetime of service to the Rahway community,” said Police Director Nicholas Breiner. “We areforever indebted to his contributions and the path he paved for future generations in law enforcement.”
Henderson was the recipient of numerous accolades, including two valor awards from the Union County 200 Club, membership in the Honor Legion, and recognition from the Union County Police Chiefs Association and the Union County Baseball Hall of Fame. His humanitarian efforts were recognized with the New Jersey State Police Chiefs Association Humanitarian Award in 1997, and he received the New Jersey State PBA Lifetime Membership Award.
“Chief Henderson exemplified the essence of true leadership and dedication in law enforcement. His legacyteaches us that at the heart of policing lies not only the commitment to protect and serve but also the profoundbond we forge with our community,” said Chief Law Enforcement Officer Shawn M. Ganley.
Henderson is survived by his son Edward and his wife, several grandchildren and great grandchildren, a brother Robert and nieces and nephews.
Email: srussell@gannettnj.com
Suzanne Russell is a breaking news reporter for MyCentralJersey.com covering crime, courts and other mayhem. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.