Cappa retires from Reid police department

Longtime Wayne County law enforcement officer Jeff Cappa has retired as chief of Reid Health Police Department.

Cappa’s final day was March 7. Dennis Perkins, who has served as Cappa’s assistant chief, was promoted to chief, according to a news release.

After serving eight years as Wayne County’s sheriff, Cappa joined Reid in 2019 as assistant to Chief Randy Kolentus. They helped Reid transition from a security department to a police department. Cappa became chief when Kolentus retired in September 2022 after 16 years with Reid.

“I’ve appreciated my time working for Reid Health and with the Reid Health Police Department team as we’ve strived to provide the most professional, accountable and compassionate service every day,” Cappa said.

During four decades in local law enforcement, Cappa was 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.

“Chief Cappa has served with integrity and will leave a lasting legacy on the RHPD,” said Pam Jones, Reid Health’s vice president and general counsel.

Perkins joined Reid in 2019 after working 20 years at the Connersville Police Department.

“It has been an honor to have worked with Chief Cappa and to have the opportunity to learn from his expertise,” Perkins said. “I’m honored to be named the next Chief of Police for the Reid Police Department. I’m eager to continue advancing the department toward being one of the finest — if not the finest — hospital police departments while ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals within the hospital.”