Lt. Matt Henson retires after 25 years with Millbrook Police Department

BY SARAH STEPHENS

ELMORE AUTAUGA NEWS

Top Photo: Lt. Matt Henson stands with Assistant Police Chief Johnny Montgomery and Chief P.K. Johnson

Lt. Matt Henson, with the Millbrook Police Department, was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love for him last week, as the department hosted a retirement party in his honor.

Henson came to the Millbrook department in January of 1999, and over 25 years has become a familiar face, and trusted friend to many.

While he is retiring as a full-time officer and supervisor, he will still be around in a part-time position as a School Resource Officer at Stanhope Elmore High School.

“Matt came to work here in January of 1999 and I had just recently been made sergeant,” Police Chief P.K. Johnson said at the ceremony. “He came to work for my shift. I was told ‘make or break him.’ Matt was very young at the time and had been in law enforcement prior to coming to Millbrook, but he did not have a lot of experience. He needed to have a little coaching, and I was happy to do that.”

Johnson said that immediately he realized that Matt was not afraid to work.

“I can teach you how to do a lot of things, but I cannot teach work ethic. Matt possessed that, he just needed a little coaching,” he said.

Johnson praised Matt for his growth and accomplishments over the years and said it will be a bit strange not to see him every day roaming the hallways or responding to calls.

“Over the years Matt has made himself a valuable part of this department. But he has also made a name for himself in the community, and developed valuable relationships,” Johnson said.

With that, he presented Matt with a plaque and gave him a hug.

Johnson continued praising Matt, specifically for his loyalty.

“People don’t last in this career anymore,” Johnson said. “People don’t work in one place anymore. They always think the grass is greener on the other side. People confuse goals and ambition and a little bit of money with what makes a career. My best advice to my young officers that have a lot of time left…you can learn a lesson from Lt. Henson.”

Johnson spoke of pay scales in Millbrook when Matt was first hired as an officer.

“If you think you aren’t making any money now, we really weren’t then. The starting pay when I got hired in 1996 was $7.58 an hour. A career is what you make it. Home is where you put your roots. You can always get another job, but what you really want is a career and a home. Matt found that here.”

Matt then got before the crowd and talked about his early years as an officer, where erly on he made mistakes and stayed in trouble. He admitted he had a lot of pep talks and discipline to keep him on the straight and narrow.

He thanked many in the building and outside of the building that have worked with him over the years and helped guide him on the path. He credited many of the officers on staff now he has worked with, and said he learned a lot from them as well.

He thanked his family, particularly his two sons that were present for the ceremony.

“Because I know I missed a lot of stuff with them. I am proud of them for growing up like they are,” he said. “I thank everyone for being here, and those that wanted to be here but were unable.”

We would like to wish Lt. Henson the best of luck in his new position, which will still be familiar and within the Millbrook community. Thank you for your service, and your continued service in the future.