Portsmouth Police Chief To Retire

I've been very fortunate to give back to the community I've grown up in.

The chief of police for the Portsmouth Police Department is retiring after more than a quarter of a century with the department. 

Chief Lance E. Hebert announced his retirement this week. He will present his official retirement letter to the Portsmouth Town Council on Monday. 

Hebert, a Portsmouth native, says "it's time" to take the next steps and perhaps even begin a new career. 

"It's that time," Hebert said. "There's a point and time in your career when it's time. Other opportunities have also come forth. I've been very blessed to work as police chief." 

Hebert says he's been asked to work for a friend's company, which could become "another career." 

Hebert says he is extremely grateful for the opportunities given to him in Portsmouth, where he grew up and went to school. He is also thankful for the colleagues and town officials he's worked with over the years. 

"I can't say enough for all the men and women I've worked with," Hebert said. 

"I've been very fortunate to give back to the community I've grown up in." 

A Portsmouth High School graduate, Hebert joined the department after his military service. He has served with the Portsmouth Police Department for the past 25 years, including six years as police chief. 

Looking back, Hebert says he is proud of many initiatives, including increasing training for officers, joining the state accreditation program and working with the Department of Transportation (DOT) to implement road changes for safety.

Those changes including reducing sections of West Main Road near Cory's Lane to two lanes, a project set to begin this spring. 

He is also proud of obtaining grants to secure improved training and equipment for the detective division, as well as making adjustments during budget cuts in recent years. 

"I also want to thank the citizens for helping us accomplish what we wanted to accomplish as a department," Hebert said. 

His retirement will be effective as of Dec. 31.