Fired, Then Reinstated N.H. Officer Resigns Force

HOOKSETT - After nearly 13 years, a controversial firing and a reinstatement to the department, Jay Defina has resigned from the Hooksett Police Department.

Defina's final day of work was on Feb. 18, about two and a half weeks after the resignation of Stephen Agrafiotis as chief of police. Defina had been one of Agrafiotis' many critics throughout his time in Hooksett, and he has a lawsuit pending against the former chief and the town of Hooksett.

Though Defina has been back in his position for approximately 15 months, he said the environment at the department had still made for very unfavorable working conditions.

He said that with Agrafiotis' departure, the department is now poised to make improvements, but he decided it was time to pursue a career that would be more favorable to his family.

Defina said he had been with the Hooksett department for almost 13 years but no longer wants to work in law enforcement. He said, however, that he still has a desire to work in public safety and would consider work as an EMT or a firefighter.

"I think I'm going to remain in the public safety sector, but I've been carrying a gun since I was out of high school," Defina said. "It's time to do something else. I have a fiancé with three boys and I think they deserve better."

Throughout Defina's highly publicized firing and reinstatement, he said the work of Hooksett's citizens who believed in him was largely responsible for helping him get his job back. Defina said he has nothing but positive feelings toward Hooksett and his citizens.

Defina said that he has even moved to the town because of how much he has enjoyed the community.

"I live in Hooksett and I love it," Defina said. "I love the school system and I know the community. I wouldn't want my kids growing up anywhere else."

Though Defina said working for the department had major challenges, he said Hooksett now has a chance to have a community-oriented police department. He said that without the community's help and support, he would not be in the position he is today.

"I'd like to thank my many supporters over the years for their continued efforts in this long and difficult battle. Without the support of the community, I would not be where I am today. The long hours they have put in to stand up for what is right has finally paid off. I leave now with the confidence that I have helped the great town of Hooksett in every way I could," Defina said in a written statement.