The West Hartford Police Department held a promotion ceremony for Sgt. Joseph Hopkins on Tuesday, March 19, 2024.

By Ronni Newton

Sgt. Joseph Hopkins was congratulated by a large group of family members, friends, and colleagues Tuesday afternoon as his promotion from officer to sergeant was officially celebrated by the West Hartford Police Department at Town Hall on Tuesday afternoon.

Many of those in attendance were also in uniform – including members of Hopkins’ family who are also involved in law enforcement. A large contingent from Conard High School, where he has served as the School Resource Officer since 2020, also were on hand to celebrate his promotion.

Hopkins is a native of Wethersfield and a graduate of Wethersfield High School where he captained the basketball team. He attended Central Connecticut State University, majoring in English, and while a college student also coached basketball at East Granby High School. In addition, he spent 11 years coaching AAU basketball.

Hopkins went on to earn a master’s degree in K-12 education from the University of New Haven, but in 2016 chose to pursue a law enforcement career, following in the footsteps of many of his family members. Assistant Chief Larry Terra, who read Hopkins’ bio, noted that his “grandfather, three uncles, and his father, Jeff Hopkins, are all retired from the Hartford Police Department.” Currently, his brother, Jeffrey Hopkins, is also a West Hartford Police Department sergeant, and his sister-in-law, Alexa Hopkins, is a Farmington Police Department detective. One more family member, his cousin, Daniel Hopkins, has also joined the West Hartford Police Department and is currently attending the Police Academy.

Chief Vernon Riddick said this is a “joyous and momentous occasion that will last a lifetime,” and said he and his family should be so proud. He was impressed with the full house in Council chambers for just one promotion, and said the Hopkins brothers are clearly so impactful to the community.

“We are relying upon you,” he said, urging Hopkins to enjoy the special time together with his brother. Riddick said he previously served in the Waterbury Police Department with his own brother, who has since passed away. “If I could have my brother back today I would give anything for that, to share those time.”

Being promoted to sergeant is the most difficult promotion, Riddick said, moulding and teaching the next generation. “Sometimes people look at disciple as a bad thing. Discipline is sometimes a very good thing to keep people from going on a wayward path and keep them on the straight and narrow. Sometimes a little bit of tough love now can save someone’s career.”

When Hopkins graduated from the Police Officer Standards and Training Police Academy Session 352 held in Meriden, in June 2016, he was chosen as graduation class speaker.

Since assuming his duties, he has been a patrol officer on all three shifts and was selected a field training officer in 2019. He has earned a unit citation and a lifesaving award, and in 2020 was chosen to join the department’s Community Relations Division as the School Resource Officer for Conard High School,

“One of his most significant accomplishments within the Community Relations assignment was his participation in the Hillcrest Area Neighborhood Outreach Center Program, known as the HANOC Program,” said Terra. He helped start the program, which fosters a positive relationship between youth in the community and police, and has been a success since its inception three years ago. “Joe has also taken part in countless community events and prevention partnerships during his time in Community Relations, to help curb substance abuse among youth,” Terra added.

Hopkins is also a member of the West Hartford Police Department’s Peer Support Team, earned his International Police Mountain Bike Association (IPMBA) certification as a member of the department’s bicycle unit, and is a current member of the department’s honor guard. He is also a juvenile law instructor for police in-service training, Terra said.

Town Manager Rick Ledwith congratulated Hopkins as among the next generation of department leaders, and also thanked all department for keeping the community safe, and for their commitment and dedication. “Public safety really is the foundation of all the core services we provide our community and our residents have come to rely on our police department because you are there when we need you the most.”

Town Council member Carol Blanks, who chairs the Public Safety Committee, administered the oath of office before Hopkins was pinned by his wife, Sabrina, and his young son, Caden.

Sgt. Amanda Martin served as emcee. Deacon Dennis Ferguson gave the invocation.

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