Reid Health Police Department welcomes 3 new officers

April 25, 2024 -- A trio of officers born and raised in East-Central Indiana recently joined the Reid Health Police Department.

Officers Jacob Hendrickson, Greg Pearson, and Jerry Powell each came to Reid after working at other law enforcement agencies.

"I'm extremely pleased with the level of experience that each one of these new officers brings to the RHPD team," said Reid Health Chief of Police Jeff Cappa. "They've proven their commitment to providing professional service to the communities we serve as well as to the patients and hospital staff."

Over a two-year period -- from early 2020 to December 2021 -- Reid transitioned from a security team of nine members to a full-time police department with 24 officers on staff. The move came in response to an increased need for police assistance as the health system grew.

Becoming a police force has meant increased training and certifications for Reid's officers in Richmond and Connersville. It also provides them with arrest authority, allowing them to deal more effectively with potentially violent incidents.

Reid Health Police Department now provides security and safety for a staff that numbers some 3,400 people as well as the patients and their family members that Reid serves.

"Safety of healthcare providers is a top concern nationwide. Having a police department onsite with appropriately trained and skilled officers is a significant step forward in ensuring the safety of our patients, visitors, and team members," said Pamela Jones, Reid Health Vice President/General Counsel.

"I'm extremely pleased with the level of experience that each one of these new officers brings to the RHPD team. They've proven their commitment to providing professional service to the communities we serve as well as to the patients and hospital staff." -- Reid Health Chief of Police Jeff Cappa

The latest additions to the department have been assigned to the Richmond campus. They include:

Jacob Hendrickson

A Connersville native who still lives in the city, Hendrickson realized he wanted to pursue a career in law enforcement in the sixth grade when a Connersville Police Department K-9 unit came to his school and explained the ins and outs of the job.

"I've been interested in law enforcement ever since that day," Hendrickson said.

He worked as a correctional officer for a couple of years while going to school for an associate's degree in conservation law enforcement before joining the police department at Community North Hospital in Indianapolis.

When he's off-duty, Hendrickson likes to work on cars and spend time with his family and friends.

Greg Pearson

Pearson also knew early on he wanted to be a police officer.

"As a kid, I admired many of the officers in my hometown," said the native of Union City, Indiana. "I wanted to help people and be a role model for others like I had."

Now living in Winchester, Indiana, Pearson is a Glock and AR-15 armorer who enjoys firearms and shooting sports. He's also an avid Chicago Cubs fan.

He came to Reid Health after six years of law enforcement and 13 years of corrections experience. Positive word of mouth from his now co-workers prompted him to make the move.

"When attending the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy, two police officers from Reid Health were also attending," Pearson said. "The officers spoke very highly of the department and the hospital. When the opportunity presented itself, I couldn't pass up the chance to become part of the Reid Health Police Department."

Jerry Powell

Born and raised in Wayne County, Powell still lives here with his wife and two children.

"I've always had a drive to serve," he said. "Reid is a pillar of our community and a great team to work with."

Powell has been a military police officer for the U.S. Army for 19 years of active and reserve duty. He also was with the Wayne County Sheriff's Department for four years before coming to Reid.

He loves classic cars, sports, and going to church with his family.