By Tanya Eiserer
The Dallas Morning News
Assistant Chief Randy Hampton, who led the Dallas Police Department as interim chief during the tumultuous months after the firing of Terrell Bolton, was honored Thursday for his 33 years of service.
Police Chief David Kunkle called the retiring Chief Hampton, 55, a “good and decent man” who led the department well during a difficult time.
“He had a great influence on changing the department for the better,” Chief Kunkle told a standing-room-only crowd at Jack Evans Police Headquarters.
Among the many dignitaries in attendance were County Commissioner John Wiley Price, District Attorney Craig Watkins and City Manager Mary Suhm.
“He has always had a gracious approach to everything he does,” Ms. Suhm said.
On a more lighthearted note, Mr. Watkins recalled a long-ago incident when he was planning a party at his parents’ house. The police were called and a young officer named Randy Hampton showed up.
“Here I was, this cocky 18-year-old high school graduate” who wasn’t very respectful of authority, Mr. Watkins recalled. “You treated me with respect,” he told Chief Hampton. Mr. Watkins noted that he didn’t have the party after all.
Chief Hampton joined the Police Department in 1975 and rose quickly through the ranks, becoming a deputy chief in 1988 and assistant chief in 1999. He served as interim chief from August 2003 through June 2004, when David Kunkle became police chief.
Chief Hampton officially retires from the department July 8.
The avid golfer said he planned to work on his game and relax.
“It has been a great honor to be a member of the Dallas Police Department and to serve the citizens of Dallas,” Chief Hampton said.
Copyright 2008 The Dallas Morning News