Former Mets pitcher Chasen Bradford, who had recently been sworn in as a probationary officer with the Henderson Police Department in Nevada, was arrested for driving under the influence just 24 hours after joining the force. The arrest occurred following a late-night joyride where Bradford was seen swerving on the road and hitting medians. The police stopped him around 10:23 p.m. and conducted field sobriety tests, which revealed his blood alcohol content to be over the legal limit of .08. Despite initially claiming to only have had two beers, Bradford later admitted to drinking 5 or 6 beers throughout the day.
The Henderson Police Department promptly terminated Bradford’s employment following his arrest, stating that he was no longer a member of the department. This decision came less than a day after his DUI incident. The department had recently welcomed a group of newly graduated officers from the police academy before Bradford’s arrest took place. Henderson Chief of Police, Hollie Chadwick, issued a statement condemning the actions of the officer and emphasizing the importance of upholding the law.
Bradford, a Las Vegas native, had been drafted by the Mets in the 35th round of the 2011 amateur draft. He made his professional debut with the Mets in 2017, where he played for one season before being picked up by the Seattle Mariners. He spent two seasons with the Mariners before retiring from the MLB in July 2022. Throughout his MLB career, Bradford achieved a 7-0 record, 1 save, and a 3.89 ERA over 104.0 innings pitched. Following his retirement, he briefly played for the Atlanta Braves organization.
The incident involving Bradford highlights the importance of upholding the law, even for those in positions of authority such as police officers. Driving under the influence is a serious offense that can have detrimental consequences, not only for the individual involved but also for the safety of others on the road. The actions of Bradford, just days into his new role as a police officer, demonstrate the need for accountability and responsibility in maintaining the trust of the community.
As a probationary officer with the Henderson Police Department, Bradford’s actions reflect poorly on the integrity and professionalism of the force as a whole. Despite his previous accomplishments in professional baseball, Bradford’s DUI arrest and subsequent termination from the department serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of reckless behavior. Moving forward, the Henderson Police Department must work to regain the trust of the community and demonstrate a commitment to upholding the law without exceptions, regardless of one’s background or past achievements.
In conclusion, Chasen Bradford’s arrest for driving under the influence just 24 hours into his new role as a police officer with the Henderson Police Department has raised important questions about accountability, responsibility, and the integrity of law enforcement. While his actions are disappointing, they serve as a reminder of the importance of upholding the law and maintaining the trust of the community. The department’s swift response in terminating Bradford’s employment underscores the seriousness of the offense and the commitment to enforcing the law without exceptions. As Bradford faces the consequences of his actions, it is essential for law enforcement agencies to address such incidents openly and transparently to uphold the standards of professionalism and integrity in their ranks.
