Deputy police chief in Newport News named Suffolk chief

SUFFOLK

After a nationwide search for a new chief of police, the city has hired a man close to home.

Thomas "Tommy" Bennett, a former Suffolk resident and a 25-year veteran of the Newport News Police Department, will begin the top job June 15.

City Manager Selena Cuffee-Glenn called Bennett a "perfect fit" in a statement Friday announcing the decision.

Bennett began his career as an auxiliary officer in Newport News and was soon hired full time. He was promoted to deputy chief in 2005.

"Tommy has come up through the ranks," said Newport News Police Chief James D. Fox. "He's been throughout the organization. He's not one who has just focused in one particular area. He knows policing very well. I hate to lose him."

Bennett, the son of a police officer, grew up in Portsmouth and spent his last year of high school in Suffolk. He lived there again from 1996 to 2003 and plans to return "as soon as I can sell my house."

His mother still resides there, and long time family friend John Matthews said Bennett continues to mow her lawn.

Matthews' father and Bennett's grandfather once farmed adjoining land. He said he remembers Bennett as a child. "He was quite an athlete. He was good in school. He was just an all-around good, clean kid who never got into any trouble and never caused any trouble. The city of Suffolk should be mighty proud to have him. He's a good, honest fellow. They don't come any more honest than he is."

Matthews said he last saw Bennett a few weeks ago. "I knew he had his application in. I told him, 'I sure hope you get it.' He said, 'We'll see.' "

Bennett said Suffolk is the only chief's job he applied for, calling the department "an outstanding organization, very solid."

It is about half the size of the Newport News force - with about 180 sworn officers compared to 440. Suffolk is about six times larger geographically.

"The Police Department does a lot of things in the community. Our core service is fighting crime. We are going to study crime and use our resources to fight it," he said.

Suffolk began searching for a new chief soon after William Freeman announced his retirement in November, including spending more than $13,000 on a public survey by Old Dominion University.

"Tommy is one that when he talks to you, he doesn't beat around the bush," Fox said. "You know where he's coming from. He thinks before he talks. There are a lot of cops that would feel comfortable going to him."

Bennett can also be impatient at times, Fox said. "When he delegates something, he wants it done."

Bennett was excited to learn he got the Suffolk job, Fox said, but the gravity of the position has tempered that.

"As assistant chief, you can blame the chief for all his decisions," he said. "But when you're chief, the buck stops with you. It's a huge responsibility. I think he's well-prepared for it."

News researcher Jakon Hayes contributed to this report.

Kristin Davis, (757) 222-5208, kristin.davis@pilotonline.com