CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch today swore in William Wrenn of Hampton, the longtime Hampton Police Chief, as New Hampshire's Commissioner of Corrections.

"It was with great pleasure that I today swore in William Wrenn as New Hampshire's Commissioner of Corrections. I am confident he will serve the Department of Corrections and the people of the State of New Hampshire well," Gov. Lynch said.

"Commissioner Wrenn brings to the Corrections Department proven management ability, 30 years of New Hampshire law enforcement experience, a deep knowledge of public policy in New Hampshire, and a long commitment to protecting the public," Gov. Lynch said.

"I look forward to working with Commissioner Wrenn, the department's employees, the legislature, and the public to develop a long-term vision for our Corrections Department that focuses keeping our citizens safe and reducing crime," Gov. Lynch said.

Before he was named police chief in February 1995, Wrenn worked his way up through the ranks of the Hampton Police Department, starting as a part-time officer in June 1974 and becoming a full-time officer in December 1974. He served as a detective, detective sergeant in command of the criminal investigation division, deputy chief of police for administration, deputy chief of police for operations, and acting police chief.

As the former president (2000-2001) and the current legislative committee chairman of the New Hampshire Association of chiefs of Police, Wrenn has been deeply involved in working to improve New Hampshire's laws to better protect citizens. For example, as legislative chair for the police chiefs, Wrenn recently worked closely with Gov. Lynch and Attorney General Kelly Ayotte to develop the Child Protection Act, comprehensive and tough legislation to protect New Hampshire's children from sexual predators.

In addition, he has served as a member of the New Hampshire Police Standards and Training council since 1999, as the chairman of the Seacoast Credit Union's Board of Directors since 1996, and has a member of the Judicial Selection Commission from 2000 to 2003.

Wren received his associate's degree in criminal justice from Northern Essex Community College in 1978, his bachelor's in criminal justice from Northeastern University in 1981 and his law degree from the Massachusetts School of Law in 1995. He graduated from the FBI's National Academy in 1984.