Hopkinton Police Chief Joseph Bennett to Retire After 35-Year Career

Chief Joseph Bennett will retire from the Hopkinton Police Department at the end of June. (Photo Courtesy Hopkinton Police Department)

HOPKINTON — After more than three decades in law enforcement, Chief Joseph Bennett has announced his retirement from the Hopkinton Police Department on June 30, capping 35 years of dedicated service to policing, nearly all of which was spent serving the Town of Hopkinton.

Bennett joined the Hopkinton Police Department in July 1993 and rose through the ranks, serving as patrol officer, detective, sergeant, lieutenant and deputy chief. He was appointed chief in April 2020.

Over the course of his career, Bennett was instrumental in managing various aspects of the department, including overseeing professional standards, training, internal affairs, firearms licensing and the operation of the public safety communications center. He also served as the department’s public information officer, grant administrator and crime prevention coordinator.

Earlier in his career, Bennett supervised the detective division and School Resource Officer program and helped advance community policing initiatives. He also helped secure more than $1 million in grant funding that supported training, equipment purchases and expanded patrol resources.

Bennett’s journey in law enforcement started in 1991 when he became a part-time officer and dispatcher at the Sutton Police Department. He later served as a reserve officer and dispatcher for the Southborough Police Department.

Town Manager Elaine Lazarus thanked Bennett for his many years of dedicated service to the Town of Hopkinton.

“Over the past 30 years, Hopkinton has experienced significant growth in both population and business activity. Chief Bennett helped ensure the Police Department evolved with the town while continuing to serve the community effectively,” said Lazarus. “His leadership will be greatly missed, and I wish Chief Bennett the best of luck in his retirement.”

Select Board Chair Joe Clark said Bennett’s career represents a strong example of leadership and dedication within the department.

“Chief Bennett’s career is a great example of what it means to grow within a department and serve a community over the long term,” said Clark. “From patrol officer to chief, he has played an important role in the department’s development and has helped so many residents in the community along the way. On behalf of the Select Board and the community, we thank him for his service.”

Chief Bennett said it has been an honor to serve the community alongside the men and women of the Hopkinton Police Department.

“It has been a privilege to spend my career working with such dedicated professionals and serving the residents of Hopkinton,” Chief Bennett said. “I’m grateful for the support of the community and for the many colleagues and mentors who helped shape my career.”

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