Richet Takes the Helm at Norristown Police Department

Seats were at a premium at Tuesday night's municipal council meeting at Norristown Municipal Hall as family, friends and supporters of former Deputy Police Chief Capt. Willie Richet packed council chambers to honor the longtime veteran of both Norristown and the police force.

Council officially approved and signed the consulting contract appointing Chief Richet as the interim police chief while a search for a permanent replacement continues. Chief Richet was sworn in by Council President Gary Simpson with his wife, Barbara, at his side.

It wasn't all business for Chief Richet Tuesday night, as he was also honored with several presentations including a letter from state Senator Daylin Leach (D-17), a plaque from the residents of Moore Street and an official resolution from council all thanking him for his years of service to the Norristown community.

Chief Richet thanked all those in attendance for their support and kind words and had a special message for his "friend and partner of 40 years" – retiring Police Chief Russell Bono, who was also in the audience.

"I just thank him for being a friend – a true friend," said Chief Richet. "You don't always find people that you can call a friend. You have acquaintances in your lifetime, but a true friend? Chief Russell Bono will always be a true friend to me."

Chief Richet also had a message for all of Norristown's residents.

"I promise you, Norristown, that I will do my best to make you proud of me and proud of your town," he said.

Chief Richet told The Times Herald that he plans to meet with local religious leaders, his command staff and the council's public safety committee in an effort to bring those groups together to tackle the problems Norristown faces. He said he is particularly focused on quality-of-life issues.

"To stop some of the violent crimes you have to get to the quality-of-life crimes," Chief Richet told the Herald. "You can't allow people to throw trash on the street or drink from open containers. We can't have people fighting in the street. This is what leads to more violent crime."

Honors for Chief Richet will continue later this month at a celebration dinner commemorating his service to the community. The dinner will be held on March 30, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Westover Country Club, 401 South Schuylkill Avenue in Jeffersonville. Tickets for the event are $50. Email Barbara Richet at barbararichet@yahoo.com or call 610-279-5483 for more information or to buy tickets.

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