NORFOLK, Va. (NPD) - Norfolk Police Chief Larry D. Boone will be recognized by Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police (VACP) with the 2018 President’s Award on September 11,
2018 at the Annual Conference Awards Banquet in Roanoke, Virginia. The VACP President’s Award is given to recognize an individual’s meritorious efforts on behalf of the law enforcement profession and Virginia's criminal justice system. This award stems from Chief Boone’s unwavering commitment to building long-lasting relationships through community outreach in the City of Norfolk. This is the second award received by Chief Boone in 2018 for his community engagement initiatives. In July, Chief Boone was awarded the 2018 NOBLE Eric Holder Leadership Award for exceptional leadership in the line of duty.
Larry D. Boone was appointed Norfolk’s Chief of Police in December 2016, after 28 years of service with the Norfolk Police Department, and over 10 years of command level experience before serving as the Deputy Chief of Police, and Assistant Chief of Police with oversight of the Field Operations Bureau. Chief Boone is a 2010 graduate of the 241st Session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia and an active member of the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the FBI National Academy Associates and the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives. Prior to joining the Norfolk Police Department, Chief Boone earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Georgia Southern University and played football for Georgia Southern University (Division I-AA), winning two national titles (1985, 1986). In 2016, he earned his Master of Public Administration degree from Old Dominion University. Since Chief Boone’s appointment, violent crime is down 18 percent over July 2017, and the city is on track to see a 37 percent reduction in violent crime over a two-year period.
“Words cannot express how grateful I am to be recognized by my peers”, said Chief Boone. “My mission is to engage the community authentically by spending quality time with those we swore to protect”. This commitment was recently celebrated by the Norfolk Police Department with the success of the 2nd Annual Five-0 & Fades Back to School event where over 260 haircuts and backpacks were given out to the community. Chief Boone has also begun a new initiative called “Una Cita Con El Jefe” which focuses on reducing the fear of law enforcement within the Hispanic community. Last week, Chief Boone was greeted by several members of this community with questions concerning crime and safety. “The only way we can address the concerns of our community is by making ourselves available to hear them.”