Kevin Sager grew up in town. He is returning to serve on the Hopkinton Police Department
Norman Miller
HOPKINTON — Kevin Sager left town at 18 to go to college in Maine, where he discovered a career in law enforcement.
Nineteen years later, Sager has returned home.
Earlier this month, he joined his hometown police department, becoming an officer after more than 13 years with the South Portland Police Department in Maine.
"I always kind of wanted to come back to Massachusetts and to be closer to my family," said Sager, 37. "Everything just kind of fell into place. My parents are getting older. My brother is moving back from New York. My sister lives in Western Mass. with my niece, who I love to death. It was just the perfect time."
Sager attended Hopkinton Public Schools through middle school, then moved on to St. John's High School in Shrewsbury, graduating in 2003. At that point, he decided he wanted to go out on his own instead of going to school locally, so he attended St. Joseph's College of Maine, where he earned a degree in criminal justice.
He got his first taste of police work working as a reserve officer in Kennebunk, Maine, in 2006, before interning with the South Portland Police Department. After he graduated from college in 2007, he was hired there full time.
"I love Maine," said Sager. "That department did so much for me. They got me to where I am today. It wasn't a light decision I made. I thought about it for a while before finally deciding to leave."
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While in South Portland, Sager was promoted to sergeant. He was a trained drug recognition expert and an instructor for electronic speed measurement.
Hopkinton Police Chief Joseph Bennett said Sager will be an asset to the department.
"We are eager to welcome Kevin back to the community in which he grew up and to the Hopkinton police family," Bennett said. "Kevin brings with him substantial experience and training, making him a valuable asset to not only our department but the community as well. I'd like to thank the Select Board for approving his appointment, as he will assist our department in upholding the highest standards of policing."
While Hopkinton's department is much smaller than South Portland's — 25 officers vs. 55 — Sager said he is looking forward to hitting the streets after his seven weeks of field training is completed.
"It's smaller and it's not as busy, and I'm fine with that," he said of his hometown. "I was used to overdoses every day. It's nicer here. The department is very young, officer-wise, and I see all of that youthfulness and it's exciting. They are all so young and they want to learn. That's great to see."
Norman Miller can be reached at 508-626-3823 or nmiller@wickedlocal.com. For up-to-date crime news, follow Norman Miller on Twitter @Norman_MillerMW or on Facebook at facebook.com/NormanMillerCrime.