The Hawthorne police department has a new chief. Chief James Knepper was sworn in on October 1st. This is following the retirement of Richard McAllufe. Knepper was a captain before this promotion. Other officers moved up in the ranks that day including Joseph Carr to captain James Gier and Matthew Hoogmoed to lieutenant.  Michael Phillips and Ian Spohn to sergeant. Zachary Grochowski from probationary officer to patrolman.  Many Hawthorne police officers are graduates of Hawthorne High school. The police department is also very involved in our schools and with the safety of our schools. All of us here at the Clarion congratulate all of you on your new roles.