Hensel inducted into Nebraska Law Enforcement Hall of Fame
Launch the media gallery 1 playerRetired Crete Police Chief Steve Hensel was inducted into the Nebraska Law Enforcement Hall of Fame in an award presentation made by Crete Police Chief Gary Young Jr. on Oct. 3 in Kearney at a joint conference of the Police Officer’s Association, Nebraska Sheriff’s Association, and Police Chief’s Association of Nebraska.
Chief Hensel served the Saline County area, and City of Crete Crete in particular, for over 40 years. During that time, he served as president of the Police Chief’s Association of Nebraska, as well as cultivating relationships with agencies across the state.
Not only did he serve the local community, but also served the nation in the U.S. Army, Nebraska National Guard, and U.S. Army Reserve for over 40 years. He deployed for a year in Iraq in 2008. Chief Hensel retired as a Colonel in the Army Reserve and retired as Chief of Police from the City of Crete in December 2022.
As part of the award nomination, letters of support were submitted from law enforcement and community members alike attesting to Hensel’s dedication, integrity, and genuine care for his community and its residents.
Kevin Spencer, retired Scottsbluff Chief of Police, wrote, “Steve’s love of the Crete Police Department, his deep convictions about serving the greater good as a police officer, and his belief that leadership is paramount to accomplishing our profession’s goals…had an immediate impact.”
Closer to home, retired Doane University band director Dr. Jay Gilbert wrote that Chief Hensel is a “leader of remarkable inner strength, sound judgement and wisdom, tactful, respectful, civil, amiable and positive.”
Jack Cochnar, Executive Director of the Crete Chamber of Commerce said he witnessed Hensel’s interactions with local business leaders in which he was “respectful, humble and has a great sense of humor…this type of humility that allows people to relax and open up is a very positive trait to have in the society we live in today.”
James Hewitt, Public Safety Director for Doane University wrote “I can say without hesitancy that Steve is one of the more professional, dedicated and capable police officers I have had the pleasure of working with. His dedication to the community of Crete has been exemplary, and the safety experienced by its citizens is worthy of note and accolades.”
“Through Steve’s life long career in law enforcement…is well deserving of the great honor of being nominated to the Police Officer’s Association Hall of Fame,” Saline County Sheriff Alan Moore said.
Of his predecessor, Chief Gary Young said, “He possess an unwavering drive for honesty, justice and fairness. He exemplifies these characteristics and instills them in the officers who work for him.”