8 April, 2020
Hopkinton’s Select Board unanimously voted on April 7th to appoint Deputy Police Chief Joseph E. Bennett III as Hopkinton’s Chief of Police subject to a successful contract negotiation.
Bennett, who most recently served as Interim Chief and Deputy Police Chief has been a member of the Hopkinton Police Department for over 25 years. He joined the force as a Patrolman in 1993 and has held several positions including Detective, Police Sergeant, and Administrative Lieutenant. He holds a Master of Arts degree in Criminal Justice Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement from Western New England College and is an Adjunct Professor at Dean College where he designs, develops and delivers courses in crisis management, security systems planning and operations and sports and special events planning.
Significant accomplishments as Deputy Police Chief included overseeing the development of a traffic management program and the development of a new Detective Sergeant position. As an Administrative Lieutenant, Bennett was involved with budget planning, preparation and financial analysis, was in charge of the Public Safety Communications Center, served as the Boston Marathon Security Coordinator and worked to improve community engagement and crime prevention.
Bennett was recognized by the Massachusetts State Senate in 2019 and has received numerous awards including:
● FBI - Law Enforcement Executive Development Association Trilogy Award 2014
● Hopkinton Police Department Meritorious Service Award 2009
● Mothers Against Drunk Driving - Officer of the Year 2005
● Massachusetts House of Representatives Recognition 2000
Asked to provide a statement about his new role, Bennett said, “Since coming to Hopkinton, I have enjoyed the distinct pleasure of working with many great women and men at the police department who have shown me the way to serve with honor. Personally, I am grateful for the support I have received from the community and I am happy to say I have made many good friends along the way. I also have to recognize the support and sacrifice my wife Wendy and three children have made on this journey.”
To the residents of Hopkinton, he added, “These are unprecedented times in our lives and there is no place I would rather be than in Hopkinton leading your Police Department, ensuring that people remain safe, informed and cared for. You have an outstanding team of officers who are all committed to the mission.”
Select Board Chair Brendan Tedstone said, “Congratulations to the Town of Hopkinton for promoting somebody from within that will take us to the next level as well. Excellent work by everyone involved.”
At Tedstone’s suggestion, Police Chief Bennett will be officially pinned on camera at the board’s next online meeting.
Norman Khumalo
Town Manager Town of Hopkinton
18 Main Street Hopkinton, MA 01748
Tel. 508 497 9700
nkhumalo@hopkintonma.gov
