Desert Hot Springs honors lifesaving officers and bids farewell to Chief Jim Henson

Desert Hot Springs City Council on Feb. 18 recognized two officers for on-duty lifesaving interventions and paid tribute to retiring Police Chief Jim Henson.

Police Chief Steve Shaw presented a lifesaving medal to Officer Gustavo Ramirez for two incidents described to the council: an Aug. 11, 2022 response in which Ramirez performed CPR on an unresponsive 16-year-old who was later transported and made a full recovery, and a Nov. 21, 2022 response in which Ramirez and Officer Toscano provided life-saving measures to a 2-year-old who had fallen into a pool and later recovered. Chief Shaw said the officers’ “quick action” and calm under stress were decisive in both cases. Officer Ramirez accepted the medal and thanked family members in attendance.

Chief Shaw also presented a Chief’s Award to Officer Estrada and thanked both officers and their families for their service.

Councilmembers and staff used the presentation period to announce that Chief Jim Henson, who has served about 30 years in law enforcement and 20 years with the Desert Hot Springs Police Department, plans to retire with a final day of service cited as Feb. 28, 2025. Council statements praised Henson’s career, noting his rise from patrol officer to police chief and crediting him with leading Department efforts that contributed to long-term crime reductions in the city. A representative from Assemblymember Greg Wallis’ office presented a formal resolution honoring Henson’s service.

The council also announced that the department comfort dog “Albert” will retire and accompany Chief Henson. The presentations concluded with photographs and public applause.

The council will continue personnel and transition planning as the city prepares for the chief’s departure.