Over the past 28 years as an officer in the Little Egg Harbor Police Department, Chief James Hawkins has witnessed changes to the department, the township, and policing itself. Now, as he prepares to retire on Feb. 1, he hopes the foundation he leaves behind is “a springboard” for the department to continue growing and improving.

Hawkins was hired in 1998, and worked his way up the ranks until he was eventually appointed chief in 2021.