Wrenn Named Chief

By Jon Phillips

Atlantic News, Tuesday, February 21, 1995

[The following article is courtesy of Atlantic News]

HAMPTON'S NEWEST POLICE CHIEF -- After serving 21 years with the Hampton Police Department, the last ten as deputy chief, William Wrenn was appointed police chief at a press conference held Monday afternoon.
[Atlantic News File Photo]

HAMPTON -After wading through 79 applicants, enduring a taxing assessment center program and putting up with constant speculation in both the community and the media, the Town of Hampton has finally selected one of its own as the town's new police chief.

Current Acting Police Chief William Wrenn was selected by Town Manager Hunter Rieseberg, and endorsed by Selectmen Chairman Thomas Gillick at a press conference Monday afternoon.

"I would like to thank Mr. Gillick and Mr. Rieseberg for selecting me as police chief," Wrenn said. "I would also like to thank the people of Hampton for supporting the department. I'm ready to take the Hampton Police Department into the 21st Century.

Wrenn, 43, has served with the Hampton Police Department for 21 years. He began as a patrolman in 1974, was promoted to detective in 1977 and detective sergeant in 1981. In 1985, Wrenn was named deputy police chief. He is also responsible for budgeting and the everyday affairs of the police department.

Wrenn received his bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Northeastern University and recently received his law degree from the Massachusetts School of Law. He will soon be taking the New Hampshire Bar exam. In 1984, Wrenn completed an 11-week program at the Federal Bureau of Investigation Academy in management training.

His nomination comes not as shock to the town, but a pleasant sigh of relief.

"I'm happy to have him as the new police chief," Rieseberg said. "He is the best possible candidate to take the Hampton Police Department into the 90s." Wrenn is also looking forward to his tenure as police chief.

"I'm very happy and excited," he said. "I'm looking forward to working with the guys in the department."

Selectmen Chairman Thomas Gillick was "delighted" with the choice.

"I think it's great for him and the department" he said. "I'm happy to have Bill Wrenn as police chief because he is Bill Wrenn. I hope he has a long and successful career."