Wakefield NH Police Department
603-522-3232 (business line)
For 2025, the Wakefield Police Department and the Public Safety Building focused on modernization and on looking toward the future. With the continued support of our community, the Police Department was able to upgrade to new Axon Body-Worn Cameras, Conducted Taser Energy Weapons, and Glock Service Weapons. We applied for a grant through the Gary Sinise Foundation, and were awarded 8 new Motorola Portable Radios and charging stations. This grant was fully funded and resulted in over $30,000 in cost savings! The Wakefield Public Safety Building received some major upgrades; the Fire Bay Floors were sanded and resurfaced with epoxy, and included an upgrade to the drying bays. These surfaces are important and are designed to endure the immense weight of fire apparatus, resist corrosive spills, and withstand the rigors of constant sanitation. A new boiler was purchased and installed; given that this facility houses both law enforcement and firefighting personnel, and also functions as a shelter and our Emergency Operations Center (EOC), maintaining dependable equipment is an absolute necessity.
The Wakefield Police Department continued its long-running standard of participating in the Office of Highway Safety Initiatives. These grants included Speed Enforcement, Driving Under the Influence, Distracted Driving, Join the Clique, and U Drive U Text U Pay. We work hard to enforce the laws and educate travelers on the road. These initiatives, combined with focused speed checks and utilizing our radar trailers, were effective tools in slowing down drivers and promoting safe driving habits. 2025 has been a particularly challenging year on the New Hampshire roadways. There has been an increase in motor vehicle-related fatalities, and reasons like this are why we participate in these grant patrols with the hope of preventing more tragic accidents.
In 2025, our dedicated personnel completed their yearly Use of Force training. This year, our training was held at the Highway Department, where life-like scenarios that are designed to hone their response capabilities were presented. Employing airsoft equipment, officers actively engaged in simulated incidents. Realistic exercises like this prove invaluable, offering reflective learning experiences and fostering enhanced preparedness for every member of our force. The Wakefield Police Department also hosted a Glock Armorer Course. It's a pleasure to welcome law enforcement professionals from across the entire state and New England region to these vital trainings.
We welcomed Officer McNulty back this year. Possessing DARE certification, Officer McNulty will be introducing the impactful DARE Program to the 5th-grade students at the Paul School. We are looking forward to working with the students and the Paul School Administration as we implement this invaluable program.
Thanks to Sgt. Anthony's hard work, Wakefield now benefits from the Lifejacket Loaner Program, a vital, complimentary service. This program allows individuals to access lifejackets, which enhances water safety for all. We are immensely proud to champion this critical initiative and extend our profound gratitude to our collaborators at Dartmouth Health Children's Injury Prevention Center for their invaluable backing. Great work, Sgt. Anthony!
We had another successful Gun Safety Course this past September. Based on the positive feedback, we are looking ahead to 2026 and are considering offering an additional Gun Safety Course and a possible Advanced Gun Safety Course for owners who are seeking an advanced course of training and skill building.
In recognition of his exceptional dedication and hard work, Officer Adam Lawton has been named the 2025 Officer of the Year by his peers. Joining our team in 2021, Officer Lawton brings a wealth of expertise, holding certifications as both a Firearms and Rifle Instructor. Officer Lawton’s military background, experience, and specialized training have been an invaluable contribution, significantly enhancing our department's capabilities and benefiting the entire Wakefield community. Congratulations officer Lawton!
In closing, I started at the Wakefield Police Department in 2008, and one of my key objectives has always been retaining valuable employees. I’m proud to say that we currently have ten (10) full-time employees with 10 or more years of experience and or service to this community. Thank you for all your hard work, dedication to this profession, and commitment to Wakefield!
Sincerely,
Chief Michael Fenton