New Hampshire Police Association

05/21/2026

I want to congratulate my friend and colleague Matt Fleming, Deputy in the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s office, for being recognized recently as a Hometown Hero by the U.S. Attorney in New Hampshire.

I have known Matt for 20 years. He is as good a person as he is a member of law enforcement.

The incredible work he does on behalf of child victims as part of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force often happens behind the scenes. That work takes a toll. You see the worst of humanity. It is horrifying to see first hand how children are abused at the hands of some adults.

But Matt never wavers - he leans into this mission and he is relentless in his pursuit of both predators and of justice.

Congrats, Matt. You make us all so proud.

Mike Geha
President, NHPA

05/18/2026

Join the conversation! Governor Kelly Ayotte would like you to consider joining her First Responder Coalition. Add your voice to the issues facing all of us today. Check out the link below:

Governor Ayotte is running for re-elction to keep New Hampshire safe, prosperous and free. New Hampshire's first responders risk their lives every time they step out of their home and go to work. Governor Ayotte has always, and will always, have their backs. Please fill out the following form to joi...

05/14/2026

During National Police Week here in DC, a team of NHPA members representing towns including Salem, Nashua and Plaistow met with Senator Maggie Hassan to discuss issues facing law enforcement.

We discussed the upcoming bill that she introduced yesterday related to first responders Line of Duty Deaths. Senator Hassan’s proposal would provide two years of federal income tax forgiveness for families of first responders who die in the line of duty. NHPA strongly supports this bi-partisan bill and hopes it will pass the full Senate soon.

We also discussed local priorities such as bail reform, and workforce recruitment and retention issues.

Thank you, Senator Hassan, for the opportunity to meet and discuss NHPA priorities.

Mike Geha
President, NHPA

05/11/2026

Recognizing Those Who Protect and Serve Our Communities Every Day

During National Police Week, we pause to honor the courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment of the men and women who serve in Law Enforcement across our nation.

On behalf of the New Hampshire Police Association Executive Board Members, we want to express our deepest gratitude to every Law Enforcement Officer, Dispatcher, and Corrections Officers who answer the call to protect and serve their communities each day.

Police Week is also a time of reflection. We remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty and recognize the families who stand beside them through every challenge and uncertainty. Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

The profession of law enforcement continues to demand resilience, professionalism, compassion and strength. Despite the many challenges faced today, New Hampshire Law Enforcement Officers continue to show up with integrity and dedication to keeping our communities safe.

As President of the New Hampshire Police Association, I am proud to stand alongside the exceptional men and women who proudly wear the badge. Your hard work and commitment to public service represent the very best of this profession.

Thank you all for your service and your sacrifice. Stay safe, support one another and know that your efforts are appreciated not only this week, but every day.

President Michael Geha
New Hampshire Police Association

05/06/2026

Our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Massachusetts State Trooper Kevin Trainor. The loss is felt even more deeply as we hear the stories of his service and dedication to his loved ones and to the community. Law enforcement hearts are broken by this senseless loss. The New Hampshire Police Association will attend the funeral services to honor Trooper Trainer. God Bless and God Speed.

The Massachusetts State Police announce the line-of-duty death of Trooper Kevin Trainor, 30, who was senselessly killed this morning by a wrong-way driver.

At the conclusion of his public safety detail shortly before 2 a.m., Trooper Trainor began his commute home. Minutes later, 911 received a call reporting a wrong-way driver traveling South on Route 1 North in Lynnfield. Several dedicated Troopers converged on the area and located the vehicle traveling the wrong way at 2:03 a.m. One minute later, at 2:04 a.m., the vehicle collided with Trooper Trainor’s cruiser.

While nothing will ever repair the pain we feel today, we make a solemn promise to never forget Trooper Trainor and his service to the Commonwealth. Kevin served as a Corrections Officer in Essex County before joining the State Police as a member of the 88th Recruit Training Troop. In his decorated career, he mentored new Troopers as a Field Training Officer or “Trooper Coach,” earned a place on the prestigious Troop Community Action Team, set the standard for professionalism, and patrolled our roads with a singular focus: keeping the people of this Commonwealth safe.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Trooper Trainor’s classmates have shared stories of his genuine care and concern for others. As one person put it, “he was the guy you wanted as your backup.”

Colonel Noble said in his remarks this afternoon, “Make no mistake: Trooper Trainor saved lives this morning. His courage – his commitment to serve the citizens of the Commonwealth and put his life on the line – prevented an even greater tragedy. He will be remembered as a hero.”

We deeply appreciate the outpouring of support from our Governor, the Secretary of Public Safety, and friends in Massachusetts and across the country. We will remember and honor this extraordinary man, son, fiancée, and friend who gave his life for others.

05/06/2026

Congratulations to Officer Jason Downey of the Hudson Police Department as the recipient of the Donna Briggs Foundation Award. The award was presented to Officer Downey at the stress and wellness Summit for First Responders at the Artison Hotel Salem , NH.

On a personal note, I graduated the NH Police Academy with Officer Downey, class “124”. I am so deeply proud of my friend and colleague.

Mike Geha
President, NHPA

04/30/2026

End of an era in Salem. Shane Smith was always good to me and my family. On the job, he was the epitome of a professional. Best of luck in your next steps, my good friend.

Mike Geha
President, NHPA

After 24 years of dedication and distinguished service to the Town of Salem, our Deputy Chief Shane Smith has retired!

This marks the end of over 60 years of continuous service by a member of the Smith family, with his father, his brother, and him, serving Salem PD.

Although we will miss DC Smith and his unwavering support and commitment to this department and town, we wish him nothing but the best in his future with the Town of Belmont, MA as their Chief of Police!

A man of integrity, comedic relief, and never ending stories, we thank him for everything he has done for the department, the town, and our employees.

Lovingly nicknamed “The Prince of Salem”, as someone, on almost every call, motor vehicle stop, or random interaction, would know of him or his family, he will be missed by many more outside of our department as well.

Best of luck, CHIEF Smith, and congratulations!

04/23/2026

He stood with us, we stand with him.

NHPA is proud to endorse Chuck Massahos for another term as Rockingham County Sheriff. His leadership in the community, his steady presence in the field, and his efforts to work with law enforcement members on issues meaningful to the rank and file are highly valued and deeply appreciated.

We urge voters in Rockingham County to cast a vote for Chuck Massahos this election season.

Mike Geha
President, NHPA

04/20/2026

Our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Earl Sweeney. We have lost a major figure in NH law enforcement. I know his legacy will live on through his dedicated work to promote public safety. On a personal note, Earl Sweeney was director of the police academy when I was a recruit and just learning the ropes at the first weeks of my own career. He was strict but kind and led by example in all he did. His approach left a lasting imprint on my own approach to leadership. God Speed and thank you.

Mike Geha
President, NHPA

The Office of the Commissioner is saddened to announce that former Assistant Commissioner Earl Sweeney passed away over the weekend.

A decorated scholar, educator, author, and consultant, Mr. Sweeney trained generations of officers, drafted more than 100 pieces of enacted legislation, developed model policing standards, and conducted evaluations and reforms across the country over a career that spanned nearly six decades. He was a respected leader whose lifelong dedication to public safety left an enduring impact on New Hampshire and the nation. He brought unmatched experience and vision to every role he held.

Mr. Sweeney’s career began in 1957 as a young patrol officer in Belmont, ultimately becoming the youngest Chief of Police in the state just four years later. From there, he joined Team Safety and served in a remarkable series of leadership posts, including as Assistant Director of the DMV, Acting Director of State Police, and Assistant Commissioner.

He then left to become the Director of the Police Standards and Training Council for more than 15 years, before returning to Safety, where he served in a variety of roles until his retirement.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, he was a committed community member in Belmont, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and a steadfast public servant whose legacy will continue to strengthen and guide the law enforcement community for years to come.

His family and friends are close in our hearts during this time of grief.

04/14/2026

Earlier today, I offered testimony on HB 1793, a proposal that would permit the lawful carrying of fi****ms on public college and university campuses in New Hampshire.

The New Hampshire Police Association shares the concerns of law-enforcement colleagues regarding the potential risks and impact of this particular bill becoming law.

A primary concern expressed by campus law enforcement is the impact that fi****ms would have on emergency response and incident management. The University of New Hampshire Police testified that allowing fi****ms on campus would detract from overall safety by creating confusion during critical incidents.

Specifically emphasized that in a campus wide emergency, reports of multiple individuals carrying fi****ms, even with lawful intent, would divide police resources and delay the ability to quickly secure the scene. As stated it is “imperative“ for officers to control a situation rapidly without unnecessary complications.

This concern is particularly significant in the context of active shooter scenarios. Testimony indicated that the presence of additional armed individuals could make it substantially more difficult for responding officers to identify the actual threat, increasing the risk of misidentification and unintended harm. Students echoing this concern noted that additional armed individuals may be perceived as additional threats, further complicating de-escalation efforts.

Law-enforcement perspectives also highlight the unique characteristics of campus environments. Colleges and universities are densely populated, residential communities, composed largely of young adults, navigating academic pressure, social dynamics, and, at times, mental health challenges. UNH police specifically raise concerns about access to fi****ms in a population where su***de remains a leading cause of death among college students, underscoring the heightened risks associated with increased firearm availability in such settings.

In addition, testimony presented to the committee demonstrated that the introduction of fi****ms into classrooms and residence halls may increase anxiety and fear among students and staff. Students opposing to build testified that the possibility of peers carrying fi****ms in close quarters does not enhance their sense of safety, but instead creates “fear division“ within the campus community.

Finally, from a law-enforcement in public safety standpoint, HB 1793 would significantly alter the ability of colleges and universities to manage risk within their own communities. Current policies at institutions, such as UNH, Keene State College, and Plymouth State University prohibit fi****ms on campus, allowing administrators and campus police to maintain controlled environments tailored to educational settings. Removing this authority would limit proactive safety measures and shift additional burdens onto responding law enforcement agencies. 

In summary, testimony from the New Hampshire law enforcement and campus officials indicates that permitting fi****ms on college campuses raises serious concerns regarding emergency response effectiveness, threat identification, student safety, and overall campus climate. These concerns are not theoretical; they are grounded in the practical reality as a policing and managing safety in densely populated, academic environments.

For these reasons, and as President of the New Hampshire Police Association, I respectfully asked that the honorable Senate committee give careful consideration to the operational and public safety implications of HB 1793.

Mike Geha
President, NHPA