FARMINGTON — Brian Hubbard, who served Farmington as chief of police for 17 years, passed away Oct. 8.
He had served in law enforcement in the city for 25 years all told.
The Police Department announced Hubbard’s death in a post on its Facebook page.
“Chief Hubbard served the City of Farmington with dedication and distinction for 25 years, spending the majority of his career as Chief of Police,” the post states. “His leadership, professionalism and unwavering commitment to the safety of our community helped shape the Farmington Police Department into what it is today.
“Chief Hubbard was more than a leader — he was a mentor, a friend, and a steadfast example of service grounded in honor and integrity. His legacy will live on through the officers he trained, the community he served, and the many lives he touched along the way.”
Hubbard retired as police chief Sept. 1, and in his resignation letter to Farmington Mayor Ernie Penn, he said he was doing so with a “sadness in his heart.” He said it had been an “honor to serve the citizens of Farmington for 25 years.”
Hubbard, who had been dealing with serious health issues for several years, was named police chief in 2007.
Penn thanked Hubbard for a “long and successful tenure as chief of police” in a memo to the City Council. He extended his gratitude to Hubbard for his dedicated service and leadership.
“His unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of our community has shaped our department into one that is professional, trusted and community focused,” Penn said.
During his 25 years with the Police Department, Hubbard saw the agency grow from five officers to more than 20 officers.
Some of the improvements and advances made during Hubbard’s tenure as chief included the purchase of new body cameras, the creation of a detective’s position, mobile and portable radios and related equipment to replace an aging system, the addition of more officers due to the growth of the city of Farmington, the creation of a deputy police chief position, promotions from within, new vehicles and the expansion of the police station.
After Hubbard’s retirement was announced, then-Deputy Police Chief Mike Wilbanks was promoted to the chief’s position.
Speaking recently about his plans as chief, Wilbanks said he had to look back at what Hubbard accomplished while in the role.
“Brian surrounded himself with people who do this job for the right reasons, and we’ll continue that,” Wilbanks said.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office took to social media to mourn Hubbard’s passing, stating in a Facebook post that the former chief “built and led a professional and progressive law enforcement agency.”
“The citizens of Farmington and Washington County are better for his service,” the post states. “We send prayers and comfort to his family.”
Penn said in August that the city would discuss in the future celebrating Hubbard’s service to the community at some point.