Police department leadership undergoes changes as chief retires

Sept. 19, 2022 -- After 44 years of service in law enforcement, Randy Kolentus has retired from his position as chief of the Reid Health Police Department. Taking over the role is Jeff Cappa, another longtime member of the local law enforcement community.

Kolentus came to Reid after 28 years with the Richmond Police Department. During his time at RPD, he was one of the founding members of the department's SWAT Team and was appointed its first SWAT Commander.

While at Reid, Kolentus led the health system's security team before working over the past two-plus years to transform them into a full-fledged police department.

He also served as president of the Indiana chapter of the International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety for six years, helping to form a professional network of healthcare security throughout the state.

In 2021, he was awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash, the highest honor given by an Indiana governor. Earlier this year, he was named the national runner-up for the 2022 Healthcare Director of the Year award presented by Campus Safety Magazine, a publication focused on public safety and security of hospitals, schools, and universities across the country.

"The past 16 years with Reid Health have been amazing. My time here has allowed me to learn and grow both personally and professionally," Kolentus said. "I'm thankful to my wife, Carrie. She has been my mentor and inspiration for so many years.

"I'm also very thankful to Reid Health and the Reid Governing Board for all the support and vision over these years."

"It has been such an honor to work with Randy," said Pam Jones, Reid Health Vice President/General Counsel. "Coming from a law enforcement family, I appreciate the integrity, hard work, sacrificial service, and genuine commitment to our community with which Randy has led our police department.

"Although his retirement is well-deserved, he leaves behind a tremendous legacy of excellence in law enforcement leadership."

"The past 16 years with Reid Health have been amazing. My time here has allowed me to learn and grow both personally and professionally. I'm thankful to my wife, Carrie. She has been my mentor and inspiration for so many years. I'm also very thankful to Reid Health and the Reid Governing Board for all the support and vision over these years." -- Randy Kolentus, retired Reid Health Chief of Police

Stepping into the role as police chief is Cappa, who himself has 38 years of law enforcement experience, including eight years as Wayne County sheriff. He also served as president of the Indiana Sheriff's Association and was appointed by then-Gov. Mike Pence to the Law Enforcement Training Board for the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy.

For the past three years, Cappa has been the assistant chief for the Reid Health Police Department.

"It has been an honor to work for and with Chief Kolentus as our team has transitioned from a security division to a full-time law enforcement agency," Cappa said. "I considered it a great distinction to be chosen the next chief of police and to continue building on the vision put into place by Randy."

"Jeff brings an equally impressive law enforcement resume to the chief position," Jones said. "He will continue the excellent leadership of Reid's police department and will continue to build upon the RHPD foundation that Randy started."

Dennis Perkins, who previously served as a captain for the Reid Health Police Department, moves into the assistant chief position with Brian Bolin promoted to take on Perkins' former role. Perkins served for 20 years with the Connersville Police Department before joining Reid three years ago.

"Jeff and Dennis have such a wealth of experience and knowledge. We are in good hands," Jones said. "They are committed to taking the police department to the next level. I am confident great things are going to continue to happen for RHPD and the Reid Health community they serve."

"It has been an honor to work for and with Chief Kolentus as our team has transitioned from a security division to a full-time law enforcement agency. I considered it a great distinction to be chosen the next chief of police and to continue building on the vision put into place by Randy." -- Jeff Cappa, new Reid Health Chief of Police