Chief of Police Richard Boyle and David Bradley , vice president of administration and finance.

Wednesday, May 18, University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) hosted a special retirement reception to honor outgoing Chief of Police Richard Boyle for his 16 years of service. Chief Boyle was named Chief of Police for the City of Galveston, Texas, on April 26.

More than 80 people attended the celebration. David Bradley, vice president of administration and finance, gave a warm welcome and expressed sincere appreciation to Chief Boyle for his extraordinary contributions and sacrifices to the UHD Police Department and the university community.

UHD police officers, Lt. Frederick Varela and Sgt. Trinity Delafance, followed with heartfelt comments and a parting gift. Both thanked Chief Boyle for years of wonderful mentorship and his, "selflessness, amazing patience and wonderful grace."

Sgt. Delafance also thanked Chief Boyle for the great example of leadership and for the necessary lessons that have aided in his personal growth. "He has made me a better officer, man, husband and a better father," said Sgt. Delafance.

UHD Interim President Michael A. Olivas was next in line, and although his words were brief, he shared a few kind words.

The event concluded with closing remarks from Bradley, who presented Boyle with a beach-themed gift basket and a plaque for his dedication and service.

Chief Boyle, ended the reception with his sincere thanks and an emotional farewell. He said, "My time at UHD has been exceptional and I'm so proud to have worked here. I'm thankful for the faculty and staff for their support and the officers for their hard work and devotion."

A native of Galveston, Chief Boyle spent the first 23 years of his law enforcement career as a member of the Galveston Police Department, starting as a patrol officer and rising in rank to captain in charge of the department's identification division. He looks forward to returning to Galveston to finish his career.