N. Richland Hills police chief retires

08:51 PM CST on Wednesday, January 5, 2005

By DEBRA DENNIS / The Dallas Morning News

The North Richland Hills police chief who was suspended in December after one of his own patrol officers stopped him for erratic driving announced his retirement effective Wednesday.

Chief Tom Shockley, 54, submitted his retirement notice during a Wednesday morning meeting with City Manager Larry Cunningham. In the letter, Chief Shockley said it was "time for me to see if there is life beyond the city of North Richland Hills."

On Dec. 5, Officer Tim Hennessy pulled over Chief Shockley, who was driving a Lincoln Continental on Maplewood Avenue. After Officer Hennessy made the stop, the off-duty chief can be heard on a police audiotape saying: "Oh, I was just testing you."

Chief Shockley was not arrested and didn't receive a citation. After the stop, Officer Hennessy followed the chief to the police station.

Mr. Cunningham reviewed the incident and suspended the chief for three days without pay. Chief Shockley told officials that he had taken prescription drugs and that they might have hampered his driving ability.

Chief Shockley could not be reached for comment. He returned to work Tuesday for the first time since his suspension and after having back surgery last month.

He is eligible for retirement and 60 days of severance pay, officials said.

Mr. Cunningham said that he had not lost faith in the chief but that the stop was disappointing.

Assistant Chief John Lynn, a 32-year veteran of the department, will be acting chief until a replacement is hired. Mr. Cunningham said the city would look internally for a chief.

E-mail debdennis@dallasnews.com

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