Senator Hassan Recognizes Kevin Semprini of Portsmouth as December’s Granite Stater of the Month

Senator Hassan Recognizes Kevin Semprini of Portsmouth as December's Granite Stater of the Month

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan recognized Kevin Semprini of Portsmouth as December's Granite Stater of the Month. Throughout his decades-long law enforcement service, Kevin has helped protect children across New Hampshire and keep our communities safe.

A lifelong Portsmouth resident, Kevin grew up admiring the police officers in his neighborhood who worked to build a strong community. Kevin knew from an early age that he wanted to be a part of that mission. Inspired by their example, he joined the police force and dedicated himself to serving his community.

Early in his career, Officer Semprini identified a need to strengthen child safety across New Hampshire. Working closely with the Portsmouth police chief, he helped to create a new school safety program. His work took him to local schools where he helped elementary school students learn about tips on how to stay safe. He quickly earned a nickname from students who struggled to pronounce his last name which reflected his warm and reassuring presence: "Officer Friendly," a name that would stay with him throughout his career.

As the department evolved, Officer Semprini played a key role in expanding youth-focused safety initiatives. He was introduced to the DARE program by a new Chief of Police and worked with state officials to pilot New Hampshire's first DARE program, which was later expanded statewide.

After 46 years of service, Officer Semprini retires with the gratitude of the Portsmouth community and all Granite Staters. His lifelong dedication to protecting children and strengthening public safety exemplifies the Granite State spirit of going the extra mile for one's community. His lifelong work to support Portsmouth students is why Senator Hassan is proud to name him December's Granite Stater of the Month.

Senator Hassan launched the "Granite Stater of the Month" initiative in 2017 to recognize outstanding New Hampshire citizens who go above and beyond to help their neighbors and make their communities stronger. To nominate a New Hampshire citizen to be a "Granite Stater of the Month," constituents can complete the nomination form here.

To read Senator Hassan's statement for the Congressional Record, see below.

I am honored to recognize Kevin Semprini of Portsmouth as December's Granite Stater of the Month for his work to bolster public safety in his community.

Growing up in Portsmouth, Kevin looked up to the police officers in his neighborhood, admiring the way they worked to foster a strong community. Kevin knew from an early age that he wanted to be a part of that mission and, when he was old enough, he joined the police force.

Soon after joining the force, Officer Semprini saw that there was a need to improve child safety in New Hampshire and worked with the Portsmouth police chief to create a new school safety program. His work took him to local schools where he helped elementary school students learn about safety. Because students had some trouble pronouncing his last name they quickly landed on a nickname for him, a new name that reflected the warmth and comfort he conveyed: Officer Friendly. It's a nickname that has stayed with him for the rest of his career.

In the years that followed and as the police department continued to evolve, a new Chief of Police from California introduced Officer Semprini to the DARE program. Officer Semprini worked with the state to pilot the program, which eventually expanded statewide. Officer Semprini also pioneered the school resource officer program at Portsmouth High School and organized local toy drives for the holidays.

As he retires, Officer Semprini carries with him the thanks of the people of Portsmouth and all Granite Staters for his 46 years of service and his steadfast protection of the children of New Hampshire. Officer Semprini's commitment to improving children's safety is a true example of the Granite State spirit of going the extra mile to protect your community. His lifelong work to support Portsmouth students makes me proud to name him December's Granite Stater of the Month.

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