[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 213 (Wednesday, December 17, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S8830]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                       TRIBUTE TO KEVIN SEMPRINI

 Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, I am honored to recognize Kevin 
Semprini of Portsmouth as December's Granite Stater of the Month for 
his work to bolster public safety in his community.
  Growing up in Portsmouth, Kevin looked up to the police officers in 
his neighborhood, admiring the way they worked to foster a strong 
community. Kevin knew from an early age that he wanted to be a part of 
that mission, and when he was old enough, he joined the police force.
  Soon after joining the force, Officer Semprini saw that there was a 
need to improve child safety in New Hampshire and worked with the 
Portsmouth police chief to create a new school safety program. His work 
took him to local schools where he helped elementary school students 
learn about safety. Because students had some trouble pronouncing his 
last name, they quickly landed on a nickname for him, a new name that 
reflected the warmth and comfort he conveyed: Officer Friendly. It is a 
nickname that has stayed with him for the rest of his career.
  In the years that followed and as the police department continued to 
evolve, a new chief of police from California introduced Officer 
Semprini to the DARE program. Officer Semprini worked with the State to 
pilot the program, which eventually expanded statewide. Officer 
Semprini also pioneered the school resource officer program at 
Portsmouth High School and organized local toy drives for the holidays.
  As he retires, Officer Semprini carries with him the thanks of the 
people of Portsmouth and all Granite Staters for his 46 years of 
service and his steadfast protection of the children of New Hampshire. 
Officer Semprini's commitment to improving children's safety is a true 
example of the Granite State spirit of going the extra mile to protect 
your community. His lifelong work to support Portsmouth students makes 
me proud to name him December's Granite Stater of the Month.

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