SUFFOLK
A veteran law enforcement officer with roots in Suffolk was sworn in Thursday as chief of police.
Thomas Bennett has been with the Newport News Police Department for 25 years and was assistant chief when he was hired by Suffolk.
"Quality of life begins with being safe," Mayor Linda Johnson said as she introduced Bennett at the ceremony at Booker T. Washington Elementary School. "Safety is our most fundamental community service. I'm so thrilled to have Thomas Bennett take the helm and lead this department."
"He's familiar with our past," City Manager Selena Cuffee-Glenn said, "but wants to be a part of our great future."
The auditorium of the small elementary school on Walnut Street was nearly full. Many who attended were police officers or Bennett's relatives. His grandmother, Lucille Copeland, who owned a farm where Harbour View is today, was in the front row.
The son of a Virginia State Trooper, Jack Bennett, he grew up in Portsmouth and was in Suffolk in his final year of high school. His mother, Sarah Bennett, still lives in the city.
He starts his job Monday.
Linda McNatt, (757) 222-5561, linda.mcnatt@pilotonline.com
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first item on the agenda
One of the first things I would do as the new Cheif of Police would be to look into the officers that have left the dept within the last year and ask myself why would this be happening? The most important thing right now, especially on a police force, is sustaining quality people. I think the new cheif would be surprised if he was to look into which officers have left (and why) and taken valuable training and experience to neighboring jurisdictions.
I say Congratulations and good luck in your new appointment!!!