‘Very proud moment’: Alex Reno sworn in as Hampton’s police chief

HAMPTON — Alex Reno always wanted to be a police officer, but he never knew he would one day become chief.

Reno was officially appointed as Hampton Police Department’s newest chief Monday night in front of his wife and children and family of first responders. He was sworn in by Town Manager Jamie Sullivan.

Members of Hampton police, Hampton fire and other chiefs from area departments showed up for the first 10 minutes of the selectmen meeting to watch the ceremony. Reno’s wife, Kimberley, daughter, Arabella, and son, Nicholas, placed his new chief’s pin on his uniform.

“I never thought in a million years this would be where I end up,” Reno said to the room before signing his contract as chief and shaking hands with the selectmen.

“I feel very excited,” Reno said. “It’s a very proud moment.”

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Reno raised in the Seacoast

Reno, originally from Portsmouth, was interested in being a police officer as a young boy and got his start with the Police Explorers as a teenager. He became a Portsmouth police auxiliary officer in 2001, also serving in dispatch. In 2001 he joined the military in response to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, serving in the Air Force Reserve for nearly 20 years.

In 2002, Reno was hired as a part-time patrolman for Hampton police, and by 2007 he was hired full-time. He served numerous roles in the department as he climbed in rank over the years, from detective to sergeant, lieutenant and most recently deputy.

Reno thanked outgoing chief David Hobbs for being a leader and friend. Hobbs retired Dec. 16 to become the police chief and director of safety at Northern Essex Community College in Haverhill, Massachusetts. Reno was selected as his replacement in November, the two having held their positions as chief and deputy chief since January 2021.

“Very sad to see chief Hobbs go, but I’m very excited for him and his family,” Reno said. “He’s a great leader, phenomenal chief, and just a really good friend.”

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Town officials happy with Reno’s promotion

Selectmen Chair Jim Waddell said the town has been fortunate to see a string of quality leaders pass through the position of chief at the Hampton Police Department. He described a seamless transition from Sullivan, also a former chief, to his deputy Richard Sawyer, who led the department from 2014 to 2020. Hobbs became a deputy in 2014 as well and transitioned to the top position when Sawyer retired and eventually became a selectman.

“We’ve had such good luck promoting from within,” Waddell said. “Alex has been here for a long time. He’s shown leadership qualities. I think it’s a really smart choice.”

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Reno, 40, said he has a vision for the department and looks forward to leading Hampton’s police force, having grown close ties to many corners of the community. He lives in North Hampton. His wife is a music teacher at Hampton Academy, the town's middle school, where he once served as a school resource officer.

Reno emphasized the entire force comprises officers and staff who work tirelessly. He said he plans to give his new position his all and hopes residents can see how hard the department works to keep the community safe.

“I just hope someday the community can get a small glimpse into what it is to work with a group of professional men and women like what we have at the Hampton Police Department,” Reno said. “I couldn’t be prouder of the people I work with.”

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Alex Reno sworn in as Hampton Police Department chief