FAIRMONT — After four years running Fairmont's Police and Fire departments, Robert Hassell is leaving to take a job in nearby Hope Mills.

Hassell, the Fairmont’s director of Public Safety since June 2005, will act as a consultant for the next 30 days. He begins his new job as chief of police in Hope Mills on Sept. 25.

As of midnight Monday, police Maj. Danny Parker became interim director of Public Safety, according to Town Manager Blake Proctor.

"The day-to-day decision making for the departments is going to be made by interim Chief Parker," Proctor said. Parker has worked for the Fairmont Police Department for 15 years.

Both Proctor and Fairmont Mayor Charles Kemp heaped praise on Hassell for major improvements, while Hassell expressed his affection for the people he's worked with and for.

“Chief Hassell is one of the finest officials I have ever encountered in my 32 years of government service," Kemp said. "His dynamic and visionary leadership over the past four years have completely transformed our Fire and Police departments into efficient, responsive, and well-trained units. He has remade public safety in Fairmont and our citizens lives and property are in a much better condition.”

Hassell, 35, has spent 14 years in public safety. His job before Fairmont was as supervisor of a special response team Kinston.

"He's such a wonderful chief, I knew this was going to happen sooner or later — I only wish it had been later," said Proctor, who will now begin the process of hiring a replacement. "I am going to miss his expertise. He’s become a friend, and he will be sorely missed.

"I've been manager of four other towns. He’s my fifth chief and, his height not withstanding, he’d still stand head and shoulders over all other police chiefs I’ve worked with. The man is a giant among men."

Hassell deserves much credit for improving public safety in the town, Proctor said.

"When he came here neither the Police Department or the Fire Department were running smoothly, and in four years here, he changed that around. Today they run like a well-oiled machine," he said.

In the last four years, Hassell has worked to bring two new fire engines to town, the police and fire facilities have been enhanced and upgraded, and he's helped secure several grants for the town, including special funding to fight gangs, Proctor pointed out.

Perhaps the biggest change came earlier this year when town officials announced a change in the town's fire rating that will result in money saved for residents and businesses.

Other improvements included: new records management system; new firefighter protective equipment; two new fire apparatus; enhanced training; new suppression equipment on fire apparatus; increased membership; and the merger of the police, fire, and E911 communications departments into the Public Safety Department.

"It was Hassell's leadership that brought that professionalism about," said Proctor.

Born and raised in Williamston, Hassell had a tough life as a child, growing up in public housing in a poor household. But he credits the Boy Scout's Explorer program with helping him change his life for the better.

"When I first put on that Explorer uniform and badge, I knew then I was destined to be a police officer," Hassell said.

"I'd had a rough childhood ... but I knew I needed to make a change, and I did. I tell my story to be an example to others. I try to show that you can change your life if you work hard at it. You can make a difference — not only in your life but in the life of others.”

Hassell said he's forged some strong relationships in Fairmont over the last four years, with residents and with police officers and firefighters.

"I want them to know I still care about them. They will always have a very special place in my heart," he said.

As director of public safety in Fairmont, Hassell supervised a staff of 46 employees in the Police, Fire and Communications departments, and was making about $60,000 a year. In his new job, Hassell will be paid an annual salary of $68,000.

Hope Mills Mayor Eddie Dees told the Fayetteville Observer that he didn't know anything about Hassell, but, "I'll have to trust he's a quality, competent police chief."

Dees said he was disappointed that Capt. John Smith wasn't hired for the position. Smith served as second-in-command in the department under the former police chief.