By Kyle Stucker
Hampton Union, November 14, 2014
[The following article is courtesy of the Hampton Union and Seacoast Online.]
Dave Hobbs was officially sworn in as deputy chief of the Hampton Police Department during Monday's selectmen meeting. Here, Hobbs' wife Erin is shown pinning the new stars and badge to his uniform. [Kyle Stucker photo]
HAMPTON — When Dave Hobbs joined the Hampton Police Department 15 years ago, then-Sgt. Franklin Knowles instilled in him two big guiding principles.
“‘Everyone goes home at night,’ and, ‘Family,’” said Hobbs.
Hobbs, 37, has made a concerted effort to make those two things a daily part of his service in Hampton.
It was fitting then that the U.S. Marine Corps veteran was sworn in as Hampton’s new deputy police chief in front of family, friends and those he’s helped to protect on Monday, which was the Marine Corps’ 239th birthday.
Hobbs, a Kingston, Mass., native, said he hopes to continue the tradition of “great mentors” in the Hampton Police Department during his tenure as deputy chief.
Senior officers like retired Chief Jamie Sullivan and newly appointed Chief Rich Sawyer played an “instrumental” role in getting Hobbs to this point, according to Hobbs. That’s why he wants to pay that forward.
“I want to thank Chief Sawyer for giving me this opportunity and for having the trust and confidence in me to lead,” said Hobbs.
Hobbs had been an HPD patrol sergeant for the past seven years. The Seacoast Emergency Response Team leader, HPD training officer, and former school resource officer holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Framingham State University and a master’s degree in public administration from Southern New Hampshire University.
In addition to his mentors, Hobbs said he’d “be a fool” Monday night not to acknowledge and thank his wife Erin for her “support.” Erin pinned Hobbs’ new stars and deputy chief badge to his uniform during his swearing-in ceremony Monday as their children Olivia and Stevie helped.
“I probably wouldn’t be here today (without them),” said Hobbs.
Hobbs said he’s “very excited about what lies ahead with the department” as he gets up to speed in his new position and responsibilities.
Hobbs replaced Sawyer, who was promoted to chief on Nov. 1 when Sullivan officially retired to become Hampton’s assistant town manager and human resources coordinator.
Sawyer said he was “very proud” to make Hobbs the first officer he has promoted.
Selectmen Chairman Phil Bean said Monday’s ceremony was “very impressive” because it was another “testament” to Hampton’s ability to promote its high-quality employees to higher positions within their departments.
“The town has such a deep talent pool of professionals,” said Bean.