HAMPTON -- Capt. Jamie Sullivan said he's ecstatic to be named Hampton's new chief of police, a job he's aspired to since joining the force.

"It's thrilling to be here now and have the opportunity to lead a great department," said Sullivan.

Town Manager James Barrington made it official last week that Sullivan will be tapped to replace Police Chief Bill Wrenn who is retiring at the end of the year.

Wrenn's retirement came after the state's Executive Council confirmed his nomination on Wednesday to become the state's eighth correction's commissioner in the last decade.

Wrenn's last official day with the department is Dec. 31

Sullivan said he will officially be sworn in to his new position at the Jan. 2 selectmen's meeting.

"I will be sworn in on my actual anniversary date with the department," said Sullivan.

Sullivan joined the ranks as a full-time officer on Jan. 2, 1986, and worked his way to sergeant, lieutenant and 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.

Barrington said he appointed Sullivan because he was the most-qualified person for the job.

"He is well-known and respected in the community, and I have every confidence in his ability to run the department," said Barrington.

The town manager said Sullivan will become the officer in charge of the department next week while Wrenn uses the remainder of his vacation time.

This week, he and Wrenn were working on adjustments to the department's 2006 budget in the wake of the Budget Committee's decision to level fund the town's budget.

"Our position has been and will be to provide the best quality of services and we will continue to do that," said Sullivan.

As for the appointment of a new captain, Sullivan said, "One step at a time."

Sullivan said he has been honored by the support he has received from his fellow officers.

"I have big shoes to fill but I'm up to the task and look forward to the challenges," said Sullivan.