Willam Henn was sworn in as chief of the New York State University Police Department at SUNY Cobleskill during a ceremony on campus Thursday.
Chief Henn comes to the college after serving four years with University Police at SUNY Oneonta, including as Interim Chief for one year.
He will assume duties from Interim Chief Frank Lawrence in overseeing the 10-person department and staff operating under the college’s Office for Student Development.
“Chief Henn is vitally familiar with the unique mission of University Police within the SUNY system,” said Dr. Marion Terenzio, president of SUNY Cobleskill. “Our officers are dedicated to upholding a safe learning and working environment, but also to the growth of our campus through educational programming and the development of personal relationships that foster a positive community.
“We are confident that Chief Henn’s leadership will further enhance our efforts in preserving a secure and welcoming atmosphere for all.”
Serving in law enforcement for more than 20 years, Chief Henn began his career serving and protecting an international border city with the Douglas Police Department in Douglas, Arizona. Moving to New York, Chief Henn became a patrol officer with the Village of Cooperstown in 2008. He also spent four years as a deputy in the Otsego County Sheriff’s Office before joining the University Police Department at SUNY Oneonta in 2020.
Chief Henn holds a Master Police Instructor Certification, ensuring that qualified instructors teach the Instructor Development Course (IDC) in the State of New York.
“SUNY Cobleskill speaks to me as a University Police professional as it has a great team of officers with a deep investment in the campus heartbeat, starting with student focus but reaching all points of campus life,” said Chief Henn.
“Arriving on campus, I immediately noticed that the same investment resonates with all the employees I have met. Through the displayed student works and staff and faculty stories of interactions with them, this campus really is a vibrant and welcoming environment. I am really excited to be immersed in it.”
The New York State University Police Department at SUNY Cobleskill protects life and property on campus while serving the broader security needs of the community.