Outgoing Select Board chair Muriel Kramer is no stranger to local politics. As she moves forward as a candidate in the Governor’s Council race, she reflected on her decades of public service in town and future plans in a recent interview with the Independent. “I...
Joseph Bennett
Van Raalten earns police lieutenant promotion in 5-0 Select Board vote
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FdYNpsu9oU&ab_channel=HCAM The Select Board voted 5-0 to elevate Hopkinton Police Department Sgt. Detective Scott van Raalten to the rank of lieutenant at Tuesday night’s meeting, besting two highly ranked sergeants with his...
Select Board completes HPD Chief Bennett’s midyear review, offers goals for improvement
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsCHKqI6ZrM&ab_channel=HCAM The Select Board on Friday night completed its review of Hopkinton Police Department Chief Joseph Bennett, pointing out recent accomplishments and areas for improvement. This three-hour meeting came less...
Tensions flare during Select Board’s midyear review of HPD Chief Bennett’s performance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbYWDLz0x6w&ab_channel=HCAM The tension was palpable during Tuesday night's Select Board midyear performance review of Hopkinton Police Chief Joseph Bennett, as Bennett accused chair Muriel Kramer of having a personal vendetta...
Select Board hears reasoning behind using herbicides to control Lake Maspenock weeds
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRf14DF3Fqw&ab_channel=HCAM The Select Board at its meeting Tuesday night heard about the weed management plan for Lake Maspenock, which includes the use of two herbicides. Department of Public Works Director Kerry Reed appeared...
Select Board approves new police officer, commends Eagle Scouts for community projects
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRg9tT146Tc&ab_channel=HCAM The Select Board at its meeting Tuesday night approved the hiring of a new police officer in a 4-0 vote and recognized three Eagle Scouts for their leadership projects. Kyle Quinzani was chosen from a...
Select Board to hold off on potential town investigation of HPD Chief Bennett until DA probe is completed
The Select Board decided in an executive session meeting on Wednesday to cease discussion about a vote for potential investigation into the conduct of Hopkinton Police Chief Joseph Bennett until an ongoing investigation by the Northwestern County District Attorney's...
Kramer blasts police chief’s performance in scathing Select Board meeting report, calls for independent investigation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jiO7iVM-Rw&ab_channel=HCAM What began as a midyear performance review of Hopkinton Police Department Chief Joseph Bennett at Tuesday's Select Board meeting exploded into revelations by chair Muriel Kramer that she lacked confidence...
Brennan supporters demand reinstatement, accuse police chief, Select Board members of misconduct
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNlNLiEhR40 Nearly a dozen supporters of suspended Hopkinton Police Sgt. Tim Brennan demanded his reinstatement at Tuesday night's Select Board meeting after picketing in front of Town Hall an hour before the meeting commenced. During...
Residents rally in support of Sgt. Brennan, rebuke town officials at Select Board meeting
Residents packed the Select Board chamber Tuesday night, spilling into the hallway to show their support for Hopkinton Police Sgt. Tim Brennan and stressing his competence and compassion. Brennan has been accused by the town of violating HPD policies for not...
Police Chief Bennett: ‘Tension level is palpable,’ but officers maintain positivity
Hopkinton Police Chief Joseph Bennett, during an appearance on Monday’s Hopkinton Hangout Hour on HCAM, said that while the pandemic continues to put people on edge, his department has worked hard to keep...
Naked couple arrested during morning dog walk on Hayden Rowe Street
On the same day Hopkinton was named the No. 2 safest city in America, local police made a bizarre arrest. Around 6:30 a.m. Monday, police received reports that a couple was walking their dog on Hayden Rowe Street while completely nude. When police responded and...
Chief Bennett: Pandemic breeding ‘tension’ in town
As the COVID-19 pandemic stretches into mid-June, Hopkinton Police Chief Joseph Bennett said the town is on edge and his officers are seeing residents getting angry and frustrated with one another after weeks of largely staying inside. “There is a lot of tension,...
Chief hopes to keep town’s support for police
Hopkinton Police Chief Joseph Bennett says he hopes the community will continue to show support for him and his officers following the “disgusting and appalling” death of George Floyd while in police custody in Minnesota and the worldwide protests and vigils that have...
Police Chief Bennett: HPD stands against ‘all injustice’
Joseph Bennett, who recently was promoted to chief of the Hopkinton Police Department, released a statement Thursday on the racial unrest and protests that have occurred across the nation. Below is the statement in full: Yesterday, I was extremely humbled to pick up...
Letter to the Editor: Police chief must speak out against racism
Dear Chief Bennett, I strongly support our local police department in their role in keeping our community safe. However, when push comes to shove, I support the concept of justice more than I support any of the people in specific positions. Humans are fallible, so...
Joseph Bennett sworn in as Hopkinton police chief
Joseph Bennett was officially sworn in as Hopkinton police chief during the Select Board’s Tuesday night Zoom meeting. It followed a contract negotiation that was finalized in an executive session. “This is a true success story, not just for the Police Department but...
Hopkinton police, fire, DPW bring smiles to birthday parties
Hopkinton’s new police chief, Joseph Bennett, is looking to continue to find creative ways to engage and connect with the community, especially during the coronavirus pandemic. One of the most successful programs has involved officers driving past the homes of...
Hopkinton Today: Thursday, April 9
Good morning, Hopkinton! For those new to the site, this post is a daily update we call Hopkinton Today. We'll have a quick recap of yesterday's news, highlights for the coming day and a video or two to brighten your day. At his Wednesday state coronavirus briefing,...
Hopkinton Today: Wednesday, April 8
Good morning, Hopkinton! For those new to the site, this post is a daily update we call Hopkinton Today. We'll have a quick recap of yesterday's news, highlights for the coming day and a video or two to brighten your day. During last night's Select Board meeting (held...