Police Department promotes Sgt. Hampton to Lieutenant

The Homewood Police Department promoted Eric Hampton from sergeant to lieutenant at a ceremony Tuesday, Oct. 13 in the Homewood City Council chambers.

Hampton, who has been with the police department for 11 years, took the oath of office in front of a small crowd of family members and fellow police officers. Judge Miles Huffstutler administered the oath.

Lt. Hampton will now oversee the criminal investigation and narcotics divisions as part of the department’s command staff.

Hampton said he is excited and will look at this new position as an opportunity instead of a challenge, because “challenge” has a negative connotation. He thanked his family and fellow officers for supporting him and said that he wouldn’t have reached this position without them.

“It’s very exciting,” Hampton said. “Having a portion of my family that is here to help celebrate, and then the department, the support of the guys within the department and those on the street that gave me their congratulations, is very exciting.”

One of those family members in attendance was Hampton’s nephew William Gervin, who is a police officer in Virginia Beach, Virginia and spoke at the ceremony. Gervin said Hampton was a mentor in his life, from teaching him how to tie a tie to helping him pick out a college and a career.

“He has been someone who has done a lot for me and done a lot with me,” Gervin said. “I don’t think I would be in the position I am in now without his influence.”

Hampton said he hopes Homewood residents will be patient with him and his detectives as the transition takes place and to make his staff aware of any issues they can help with.

Police Chief Jim Roberson said Hampton’s promotion to lieutenant is the first he has made as chief, and that he is very proud of Hampton and his accomplishments.

“Our promotion review committee determined he was the most qualified, and I certainly agree with them,” Roberson said.

In addition to being over the criminal investigation and narcotics divisions, Roberson said Hampton will oversee the department’s community resource officers as well as serving as the public information officer.

“It’s a great day for Homewood,” Roberson said.