By Patrick Cronin
Hampton Union, Friday, December 9, 2005
[The following article is courtesy of the Hampton Union and Seacoast Online.]
named Hampton's new police chief
[Photo by Jamie Cohen]
HAMPTON -- The new police chief of Hampton will be Capt. Jamie Sullivan.
Town Manager James Barrington confirmed that Sullivan will be tapped to replace Police Chief Bill Wrenn, who is retiring at the end of the year to become the state commissioner of corrections.
"In my opinion, he's the most qualified person for the job," said Barrington. "He is well known and respected in the community, and I have every confidence in his ability to run the department."
Barrington said Sullivan will serve as the officer in charge while Wrenn uses the remainder of his vacation time in December.
In January, Sullivan will be sworn in as the 23rd police chief of the town.
Sullivan was unavailable for comment.
A 20-year veteran, Sullivan joined the department as a special police officer in 1984 before becoming full time in 1986.
Barrington
Barrington said Sullivan worked his way up from sergeant and lieutenant to captain.
He has served as commander of the Department's Special Response Team and is currently the executive officer of the Seacoast Emergency Response Team.
A graduate of high school in Chelmsford, Mass., Sullivan received his BS in administration of law and justice from the University of Massachusetts in 1989.
He went on to become a 1999 graduate of the 198th FBI Academy, and received his MBA from Southern New Hampshire University in 2000.
Residing in Hampton with his wife, Cathy, and their three sons, Colin, Michael and Matthew, Sullivan has been active in the community in a variety of ways, Barrington said.
He has volunteered as an assistant coach for WHS wrestling team and has been the event director for the Special Olympic Penguin Plunge.
Sullivan and his family also began the flag program in the downtown area a few years ago that decorated the center of town with American flags for patriotic holidays.
Hampton Police Association President Steven Henderson said he was unaware that Barrington had already made up his mind on a new chief.
"It wouldn't surprise me if Jamie is the next chief," said Henderson. "The town manager is in charge of hiring and firing and has every right to appoint whoever he wants to the position."
The news also came as a surprise to Selectmen Chairman Jim Workman.
"If that is the case, I think it's a good choice," said Workman. "Jamie has the ability to fill the role, and I have every confidence that he will do a good job."
Selectman Ginny Bridle-Russell agreed.
"Jamie Sullivan has gone through the ranks of the Police Department, and I think he will make a good chief," said Bridle-Russell. "It's a good appointment and a good opportunity for Jamie."