0
0
After nearly three decades of service in law enforcement, Bill Hopkins has brought his experience, passion for public service and strong connection to the community into his new role as a school resource officer.
Mr. Hopkins retired from the East Rutherford Police Department in November 2023 after a 27-and-a-half-year career. On the force since August 1996, he retired as a lieutenant. Throughout his career, he worked in many areas of the department, with one role standing out as particularly meaningful. Toward the end of his career, Mr. Hopkins was part of the Bergen County Crisis Negotiation Team and it became one of his favorite assignments.
Returning to police work was not part of the original plan after retirement. At the time, the goal was to pursue other interests, including teaching and cooking. After earning a substitute teaching certificate, Mr. Hopkins began working in the Boonton Town School District, where the environment left a strong impression. He described the administration, staff, and students as “amazing” and it was a place he would not choose to leave lightly.
As the 2024-25 school year progressed, it became clear that substitute teaching, although rewarding, was not going to be Mr. Hopkins’ purpose. During that time period, the Boonton Board of Education and the police department were jointly searching for an officer to be stationed in the schools, a position that had remained unfilled for four years. Many schools across the state and country already have an officer or security presence, and the opportunity to serve students in that capacity prompted a change in direction.
Public service has been a constant theme throughout Mr. Hopkins’ life. Coming from a family deeply rooted in volunteer work, service began at an early age. At 16, he joined the volunteer ambulance corps. By 18, he was serving with the volunteer fire department, and, at 22, he became a police officer. Public service and first response work are not only family traditions but passions he learned to value while growing up.
“What keeps me motivated is my passion to help others,” he said. “My family members are volunteers and have been a part of the ambulance squad, fire department, ladies auxiliary and the board of education. I came to love volunteering and public service.”
Beyond his role in the school, he remains actively involved in the community. He has coached softball on and off for many years, beginning at the T-ball level when his oldest daughter started playing. As his children grew older, he became involved with the Lincoln Park Angels Softball Association, eventually assisting with multiple teams. Hopkins now coaches the varsity team at BHS.
In January 2025, Mr. Hopkins launched a food truck business called Sliderz n’ Bowlz, turning a longtime passion for cooking into a new venture. Planning for the business began well before retirement, with details continuing to evolve even after the launch.
“Burgers are our specialty,” he said. “We have a homemade mix and use a secret seasoning. That’s not our only food. We adjust our menu depending on the type of festival or event we are going to.”
Balancing police work, coaching, and running a food truck may seem demanding, but the schedule allows for flexibility. His current police role follows a weekday schedule, with summers off, providing additional time to focus on other commitments. Coaching takes place after school during the spring season, while the food truck primarily operates on weekends at town events, fairs, carnivals, and private catering engagements. A self-described workaholic, Mr. Hopkins adjusts his schedules to allow for more family and personal time than in the past when rotating shifts, holidays, and weekends often interfered with important moments.
When offering advice to students, the emphasis is placed on involvement, kindness, and making the most of the high school experience. Students are encouraged to join clubs or sports for personal fulfillment rather than resumes, to volunteer when full commitments are not possible, and to remember that high school years pass quickly. Being kind, inclusive, and respectful toward others is stressed, as students come from different backgrounds yet share far more in common than they may realize.
Mr. Hopkins also hopes students understand the true purpose of having a police officer in the school. The role is not to discipline students for minor infractions, but to help, protect, guide, and support them. Mistakes are a part of being human, and having someone available to listen, educate, and provide protection is central to the position. With an open-door approach, students are encouraged to seek support whenever it is needed.
Ultimately, his return to law enforcement reflects a lifelong dedication to public service and a commitment to creating a safe, supportive environment for students.
Author
