Hampshire appoints Douglas Pann as new police chief

The Hampshire Village Board has voted to hire Douglas Pann as the town's new police chief.

Pann has served as the police department's interim chief since Sept. 15, when he replaced former Chief Brian Thompson, who retired after 41 years with the department.

"Chief Pann possesses the skills and leadership qualities needed to prepare our department for our community's growth and focus on our officers' and residents' needs," Village President Mike Reid Jr. said. "Over the last four months, Chief Pann has proved to be forward-thinking, inclusive and creative, leading him to accomplish so much during his time as interim chief, and I'm excited to see what he will do for our community and department moving forward."

Pann has had a distinguished career in law enforcement spanning 30 years. Beginning as a Boone County sheriff's deputy, he then moved to the Rockford Police Department, where he served as a patrol officer, detective, sergeant, lieutenant and assistant deputy chief.

Pann holds a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership, a Bachelor of Arts in Management & Leadership and an Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice. He also attended the FBI National Academy Leadership Program at Quantico.

"I am enthusiastic about this opportunity to work with President Reid and the village board to set the future direction of the Hampshire Police Department during this critical time in policing nationwide, and specifically in Hampshire during its recent and continued growth," Pann said. "I am grateful for the experience I gained in Rockford, so that I can put that experience to good use serving the residents of Hampshire."

Pann was selected after a nationwide search. The village board interviewed five candidates, narrowing the field to two for final interviews, after which Pann was selected.