Sanbornton’s Chief Steve Hankard retires, leaving lasting legacy of community policing

SANBORNTON — As of the clock's midnight strike on Sunday, Steve Hankard is no longer police chief.

His last duty on the job? Handing out candy to trick-or-treaters on behalf of the department, along with his trusty sidekick, Officer Monkey, one of his 10 pet dogs.

“It’s the perfect way to end” my career, Hankard said on Wednesday. ”I can park my cruiser, leave the phone off and leave full-time. I take the costume off on Halloween.”

He will remain with the department part-time, the station’s sole half-time officer position, helping with investigations and community events. However, his time doing patrols has come to an end. After 30 years serving the town — 14 as chief — Hankard decided it was finally the right time to put down the badge.

“I still do love my job. I still love what I do. I love the department, but it's time to move on,” he said. “I feel like I'm leaving [the department] at a very good time, very strong time.”

Throughout his tenure, Hankard cultivated a positive culture within the department that resulted in improved and strengthened community relations.

“The relationship that the PD has with the town is so good. It's so tight,” he said. “It's a very, very great working relationship.”

Active community policing efforts have improved communication between townsfolk and the department, too.

“Since I've been chief, we're very approachable and the town knows that. We get calls for all kinds of stuff, which is what we encourage. I always encourage all the officers to just talk to people,” Hankard said.

He also oversaw the transition of the department to a new building, another major feat due to safety concerns in the old structure. It’s one of his proudest achievements.

“One of my biggest goals as chief that was met is the building,” Hankard said. “We opened that two or three years ago, which, you know, it's infinitely above what we had before, which is fantastic.”

The leadership transition has been seamless and well supported by the selectboard. Hankard notified the board of his retirement a few months ago, providing a succession plan endorsing Lt. Kevin McIntosh as the new chief.

Board members congratulated Hankard on his retirement, noting his loyalty to the town and department.

“I want to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to Chief Hankard for his 30 years of dedicated service, having spent the majority of his career serving the Town of Sanbornton. His longstanding commitment to our police department, our residents, and our community is something that deserves recognition. Dedicating so many years of one's career to serving the same community reflects a level of loyalty and commitment that should never be taken for granted,” said Mark Brown Jr., selectboard vice chair. “I sincerely thank Chief Hankard for his years of leadership and service to Sanbornton, and wish him and his family all the best in his well-deserved retirement.”

In retirement, Hankard looks forward to a slower pace of life, being able to spend more time with his family and pet dogs, who range in breeds from Mexican hairless to Chinese crested chihuahuas to a Maltese mix. In addition to a part-time presence with the Sanbornton Police Department, he will work a few days a week providing court security.

“I'm still going to be working, but only a couple days a week. Much reduced. Reduced stress and, you know, not tied to the phone, that kind of stuff.”

Hankard’s replacement boasts significant familiarity with the area, having served 24 years in law enforcement, 21 of those years in Sanbornton. Hankard’s confident McIntosh will seamlessly transition into the role.

“It's such a natural transition to have him come in as the chief, because I know that's not going to change the tone with the town. It’s going to stay exactly the same, because he is very community oriented,” he said.

McIntosh was sworn in on Oct. 21. He’s excited to hit the ground running, and the selectboard have the utmost faith in him.

“I have known the new chief since he was hired 21 years ago and have full faith in his ability to keep our residents safe and respected,” said Selectboard Member Ralph Carter.”

Brown agreed.

“I also want to congratulate Chief McIntosh as he steps into his new role. With 21 years of service to Sanbornton, he brings valuable experience and a deep understanding of our community,” he said. “I look forward to working with him and supporting the department as it moves forward.”

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Katlyn Proctor can be reached at katlyn@laconiadailysun.com or by calling 603-524-0150.