Portsmouth NH mayor names Kevin Semprini as grand marshal of 2025 Illuminated Holiday Parade

 

Each year the City selects a grand marshal who “best exemplifies the spirit of generosity and commitment to the community.” This year, Mayor Deaglan McEachern is pleased to announce that Kevin Semprini is the 2025 Portsmouth Illuminated Holiday Parade grand marshal.

 

“When I joined the Portsmouth Police Department,” said Semprini, “My goal was to serve as a bridge – not a barrier. My hopes were to instill trust, pride, and integrity in the uniform. It was not about power or authority, it was more about connecting with the people we serve. I wanted to be viewed as someone they could approach, trust and rely on. I’ve lived and based my career around the philosophy that if you can make a positive impact on or in someone’s life, then you’ve accomplished your mission.”

 

Known to generations of schoolchildren as “Officer Friendly,” Semprini, is retiring after an amazing 46 years of service to the City. Semprini started his police career in 1979 and first started working in the schools in 1984, eventually becoming the first certified DARE officer in the State of New Hampshire. He retired from full time policing in 2004 and immediately went into the ranks of the Police Department’s Auxiliary Division where he has continued to serve the City. 

 

Deputy Police Chief Mike Maloney said, “Kevin’s positive and long-lasting contributions to thousands of children and families in Portsmouth cannot be understated. Always smiling, Kevin’s infectious personality, guidance, and mentorship have left an indelible mark on all whose lives he has touched. One of the most familiar faces in the City, and we are fortunate to call Kevin one of our own. He is the epitome of community policing. We wish Kevin all the best in his retirement as we celebrate him.”

 

In making the announcement, McEachern said, “Kevin is an inspiring example showing all of us how to open doors to members of our community just like holiday lights that brighten our neighborhoods during the year’s longest nights. Officer Friendly is one of the stars in our sky who light the path through our City of the Open Door. While we will miss seeing him brighten our days on the streets of Portsmouth, we look forward to celebrating him as the Parade grand marshal.”

 

Semprini will be joined by his family in Market Square to watch the floats, marching bands, fire trucks, thriller dancers and of course, Santa Claus riding atop Portsmouth Fire Department’s ladder truck to kick off the holiday season in Portsmouth.

 

For more parade information, please contact parade coordinator, Brinn Sullivan at (603) 767-2697 | parade@portsmouthnh.gov.