Bill Blais is Newfields Police Department’s newest lieutenant

NEWFIELDS — Police officer Bill Blais doesn't have to think too long when asked about the difference between Rye, the town where he worked for 20 years, and his new department in Newfields.

"They're both small towns, both close-knit communities," he said, adding, "But Newfields doesn't have a beach!"

Blais recently became Newfields' latest sworn officer, taking the open lieutenant position. He said he’s looking forward to his new role after spending the majority of his career in Rye.

Blais was born in Methuen, Massachusetts, but his family moved to Seabrook Beach when he was a child, and he grew up by the water. While his family doesn't have a law enforcement tradition, he interacted with police officers during his childhood on the beach and when he went to work at Eastman's Pier at the age of 12.

"I had tremendous respect for them, and my interest grew," he recalled, relaxing at his new desk in Newfields.

Seacoast news: Download the Seacoastonline mobile app to learn about new restaurants, hotels and events.

Blais graduated from Winnacunnet High School and attended the former Hesser College in Manchester, graduating with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice.

He worked summers through college in parking enforcement for the Rye Police Department and stayed on as a part-time officer after college. After a year and a half, he joined the Rye department full-time. He worked as a patrol officer and attained the rank of sergeant in 2013.

A dream come true: Exeter's newest police officer Arthur Joseph ready to serve

The small department gave Blais a chance to share many skills. He's been a field training instructor, firearms officer, worked in computer crimes investigation and in accident reconstruction.

"A small department," he said, "gives you the chance to wear many hats."

He knew Newfields Chief Wayne Young "for my entire career," Blais said.

"He worked in Greenland, and I worked in Rye,” he said. “When the opportunity came up, I couldn't pass it by."

Blais is impressed with the welcome he's had in Newfields.

"I've been here one month, and so many residents have come up and greeted me," he said.

He's also felt welcomed by his colleagues and the town staff.

"In a smaller police department, they become your second family," he observed.

Hampton Beach: Police make 29 arrests, breaking up fights, unruly crowds

Since his arrival, Blais has been working with Young on some of the department's goals.

"We're working with the Department of Highway Safety for grants - grants for equipment, grants for traffic enforcement," he said. Dealing with residents' concerns is always a goal, he added.

Blais is a "techie" and looks forward to sharing his computer skills in officer safety, efficiency in managing the department, and most of all, serving residents.

Blais lives in Stratham with his wife and one daughter. He likes to spend time outdoors.

"I'm a runner and I've done 5Ks, marathons, and a half-triathlon," he said. He likes hiking with his family and boating, and at the time of his interview had just returned from a weekend hike up Mount Major.

Blais' personal goals for his time in Newfields include making sure the officers are supported.

"I want to see that they get proper training, in order to meet the mission of the department," he said. "I also want to help update policies and equipment."

Blais readily admits that policing isn't for everyone, even in a town like Newfields.

"There are so many issues to deal with on the job - people with mental health issues, people with drug addiction, everything from that to neighborhood disputes and traffic,” he said. “There's so much more to the job than making arrests."

Blais remembers many nights when he was detained coming home, and he slipped into bed in the wee hours. But his wife had already texted him, wondering if he was all right.

"You have to have the support of your family," he noted.

When all the pieces fit, it's a rewarding job, Blais added. "These are times when you deal with people at their worst, and try to help them through whatever they're going through. You help them see that there are ways they can make changes in their lives - it's very satisfying."

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Rye Police Sgt. Bill Blais is Newfields NH Police Department’s newest lieutenant