Alex Reno named Hampton's next police chief, hailed as 'great choice'
HAMPTON — Deputy Chief Alex Reno has been named the next chief of the Hampton Police Department.
Town Manager Jamie Sullivan announced Monday that Reno will replace David Hobbs, who is retiring Dec. 16 to become the police chief and director of safety at Northern Essex Community College in Haverhill, Massachusetts. Reno has served as the department's second in command since 2020.
"We are very pleased that we have the talent in-house to continue on with the mission and he will do an exemplary job," said Sullivan, who served as Hampton's police chief from 2006 to 2014.
The town's selectmen praised the selection.
"I have full confidence in Alex's ability to be the next chief, and I fully agree with the manager's decision," said Selectman Richard Sawyer, who served as Hampton's police chief from 2014 to 2020.
Previous story:Hampton Police Chief David Hobbs retiring after 23 years for 'unique opportunity'
Selectman Rusty Bridle said Reno is a "great choice," having watched him rise through the ranks of the department over the years.
"He will do a great job," Bridle said.
Reno has held nearly every position in the department since he started part-time in 2002. Appointed a full-time patrolman in 2007, Reno served as a school resource officer at Hampton Academy, a member of the department’s mounted police unit, a detective and as a sergeant and police prosecutor.
Hobbs said in 2020 he selected Reno to be his deputy after working alongside him and watching him grow.“He’s developed, not only as an officer, but also as a leader," Hobbs said at the time. "He’s respected in the community.”
Reno has a bachelor’s degree in public service management from Granite State College and an associate’s degree in human resources management, as well as a professional manager certificate from the Community College of the Air Force.
The son of Matt and Tammy Karlson, of Portsmouth, Reno moved to the New Hampshire Seacoast as a fourth-grader, graduating from Portsmouth High School in 2000. It was through participating in the Police Explorers program in Portsmouth that Reno became interested in law enforcement.
In 2001, Reno became a dispatcher and auxiliary officer with Portsmouth police, and in 2002 was hired as a part-time officer in Hampton. After the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, Reno followed a family tradition and personal desire, joining the military, and serving in the Air Force Reserve, in addition to being a police officer, for nearly 20 years.
He credits his training and experiences with the Reserve for playing a role in his growth as a responsible leader who can relate to those under his command.
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Alex Reno named Hampton NH's next police chief
