Othello lieutenant retires
Mayor Shannon McKay presented Lt. Robert Hampton with a plaque honoring his service to the city Monday night. Photo by Candice Boutilier/Columbia Basin Herald
Served the department for more than 36 years
OTHELLO - Lt. Robert Hampton plans to restore classic trucks and grow out his beard during his retirement.
Hampton celebrated at a reception for his retirement from the Othello Police Department Thursday afternoon.
He said he has several trucks from as early as the 1930s he plans to restore. Hampton said he will see what his face looks like with a beard since he hasn't been able to grow one since he was hired per the department's policy. He jokingly said he wondered if he could still grow one.
Hampton served the department for more than 36 years and received several awards. One of his most recent awards was a plaque he received last week from the city honoring him for his service.
Mayor Shannon McKay presented Hampton with the plaque.
During his 36 years of service, Hampton participated in all phases of police work including patrol, investigation and administrative duties, McKay said.
In 1976 Hampton was promoted from officer to sergeant and in 1980 he was promoted to his lieutenant status.
The mayor said Hampton was able to watch the department grow during his service.
When Hampton began, there were seven police officers and there are now 17 police officers in the department, McKay said. In the past, four officers shared a single patrol vehicle. Each police officer has their own patrol vehicle now, he added.
After Hampton received his plaque, he was greeted with a standing ovation.
Sitting on a table in the council chambers Thursday afternoon were seven awards given to Hampton spanning his career. One of the awards showcases Hampton was the Officer of the Year in 2006.
One good memory Hampton said he has is receiving a plaque from the Paul Revere Masonic Lodge for his service to the city.
He said one of his most memorable moments was getting hired but his greatest memory so far was the retirement reception.
Hampton said he doesn't have many negative memories from his service because they've been overshadowed by all the good memories.
He plans to continue living in Othello to do some gardening, fishing and growing that beard.
Othello Police Chief Steve Dunnagan said Hampton will be presented with a special gift from the city and the police department during a dinner May 3. He will receive his gun he used while on duty, Dunnagan said.
More than 40 friends, family and fellow law enforcement attended the retirement reception Thursday afternoon.