Axel Henry, a 24-year veteran of the St. Paul police department and the most recent director of the narcotics and human trafficking division, on Tuesday was named the city's chief of police.
Henry was one of five finalists for the position to replace Todd Axtell.
"There are a lot of troubles that people will point to, but I am inspired by the potential of this city, by this community, and how we operate together," said Henry, 54, after he was introduced as St. Paul's new police chief by Mayor Melvin Carter.
A group of city leaders and several of Henry's family members were also on hand for the introduction on the main floor of St. Paul's city hall building off of Kellogg Street.
"I said from the beginning that getting this right was far more important than getting it done fast," said Carter.
Axtell announced more than a year ago that he would retire after his term ended this past June.
Jeremy Ellison served as interim chief after Axtell stepped down.
Henry is a life-long St. Paul resident, graduating from the University of St. Thomas.
He joined the St. Paul police department in 1998 as an officer, and moved up through the ranks until his appointment on Tuesday.
Henry’s life partner is Mikeya Griffin, the executive director of the Rondo Community Land Trust.
“I’m so extremely proud of him,” she said.
Henry said their partnership is invaluable.
“It’s a huge piece,” he said. "It is part of what we are trying to do, taking a holistic approach. I kind of feel like I’m playing second fiddle to her.”
The Rondo Community Land Trust is a community based affordable housing and commercial land trust operating in St. Paul and Suburban Ramsey County.
Rondo builds community wealth and neighborhood stability through the development of and stewardship of perpetual affordable homeownership opportunities, rental housing, commercial space and other community assets.
Henry and Griffen have been together ten years and have two grown children.
The other finalists were assistant chief Stacy Murphy, community partnerships commander Pamela Barragan, eastern district senior commander Kurtis Hallstrom, and Philadelphia police staff inspector Jacqueline Bailey Davis.
Records show very few outside candidates have been hired as Saint Paul police chief since the department was formed in 1854.
Henry needs final approval of the St. Paul city council before he begins serving a six-year term.
