Alumni, Devin Lopez graduated in the year 2001, and is now a police officer that still lives in Hawthorne.  Devin was an average, troublesome student, known for his DJ skills. He was enthusiastic about music and topics regarding popular music of his high school years.                                                                                    

Clarion Interviewer: How was your experience in HHS?

Devin Lopez: I can only say positive things about my HHS experience. My class was pretty tight-knit. There was no real divide between any of the students. We more or less were all friendly with each other! School spirit was always pretty high and I can remember extracurricular activities being very fun. I ran track senior year only to hang out with my girlfriend who eventually became my wife!

Clarion Interviewer: What did you do after graduating?

Devin Lopez: After graduating in 2001, I had a few insignificant part-time jobs before I eventually settled into my current career in law enforcement. I began working for the Passaic County Sheriff’s Department as a Courthouse Security Officer in 2002, I then was appointed as a Sheriff’s Officer and was sent to the police academy. After graduating the academy in 2005, I was assigned to the Mounted division where I got paid to not only learn how to ride a horse, but I also got paid to do police work, every day! In 2008, I transferred to the Bloomfield Police Department where I worked the midnight shift as a Patrolman for 5 years. In 2014, I was promoted to detective where I currently am the commander of the crime scene unit.  

Clarion Interviewer: What were your favorite moments? Who were your favorite teachers?

Devin Lopez:When I became a senior, I fell into the bad habit of being a tad tardy from time to time. I lived fairly close to the school so what I would do was, at night, I would drive my car and park it right in front of the school and then walk home so that even if I was a bit late I’d still have the best parking spot!

My favorite teacher was Mrs. Murphy. She taught science which I hated. She hated me, but I liked her.  

Clarion Interviewer: If there were one thing you could change about your high school experience, what would it be?

Devin Lopez: I am grateful that I cannot think of anything that I would want to change about my high school experience.  

Clarion Interviewer: How was high high school different from college?

Devin Lopez:I only attended Bergen County Community College for about a year, it was terrible and more like 13th grade than anything else. Thankfully, I was able to begin my career in 2002 and at that time, I did not need any college credits to become a Police Officer.