Chief Joel Jett Retires, Succeeded by Eric Hamp

It was an emotional scene Tuesday night for former Alpena City Chief of Police Joel Jett, as 32 years of service was culminated in a room with his friends and family.

Jett was honored by Chief Todd Woods of the Mackinaw City Police department, as well as Chief Kyle Knight of the Harbor Springs Police Department. Both men gave teary eyed speeches honoring their friend and colleague.

“It always comes down to the people that you work with, no matter what you do,” said Jett. “And I do believe, as I said earlier, that I do see those people at the Alpena Police Department as my extended family.”

Jett will be succeeded by former lieutenant Eric Hamp, who has spent nearly 20 years with the service. Hamp was lauded at the meeting as the perfect candidate to be next in line after Jett. Jett himself spoke highly of Hamp.

“He’s a man of integrity, a man of honor, and I couldn’t be happier to pass the torch on to Eric, the changing of the guard, so to speak on to Eric, and I have complete confidence in Eric – or, I’ll say Chief Hamp now,” he said.

Hamp spent almost nine years as Jett’s second in command, learning valuable lessons not just as a police officer, but in life as well.

“Frankly, he’s got me ready, into a position to lead the Alpena Police Department, and that doesn’t happen overnight,” said Hamp. “So it’s taken a lot of hard work to get there, but I’m confident that I now have the skills that are needed to successfully lead the department.”

All the years of hard work are about to pay off for Hamp.

“I’m so thankful for the opportunity,” he said. “I’ve been with the city of Alpena Police Department for 19 years, I’m very thankful to Chief Jett for his mentorship over the last eight years, I worked directly underneath him, and I’m so thankful for all he’s done for me to prepare me for this experience.”

While Jett is preparing for some time off, including a fishing trip, the work is just beginning for Hamp.