Meet Broomfield Chief of Police Enea Hempelmann

Editor’s Note: Each month Our Broomfield Magazine profiles different members of the community. Through Our People: Meet “insert name,” our goal is to introduce Broomfield area change-makers and highlight their contributions.

About Chief Hempelmann

Q:What do you enjoy most about being Broomfield’s Chief of Police?

A: It’s having the opportunity every day to help keep our community safe and build trust with the people we serve. It’s rewarding to see the positive impact our department can make, whether it’s preventing crime, supporting victims, or simply being there when someone needs help. I take great pride in caring for our officers and employees, ensuring they have the training, resources, and support they need to do their jobs effectively and return home safely to their families.

Q: Tell us about your career path.

A: I have been with the Broomfield Police Department for nearly 29 years and have served in a variety of assignments throughout my career. One of the most fulfilling roles for me was working as a Detective, where I could contribute directly to solving cases and helping victims find justice. Over the years, I advanced through the ranks as Sergeant, Investigations Sergeant, Internal Affairs Sergeant, Commander, and Deputy Chief, all within Operations. Each position has given me a broader perspective on public safety and the importance of supporting both our community and our team. In January 2022, I was honored to be selected as Chief of Police, which has been the most meaningful period of my career.

Q: What is the most unique thing about serving Broomfield?

A: It is that I serve as both Chief of Police and Sheriff. In most jurisdictions, these are separate positions, with the Chief overseeing municipal law enforcement and the Sheriff responsible for county functions like the jail and court security. Here, I am accountable for the full spectrum of public safety services under one agency. This dual role allows us to align priorities, eliminate jurisdictional boundaries, and deliver consistent, high-quality service without the complexity of coordinating between separate departments.

Q: What do you enjoy outside of work?

A: I absolutely love spending time with my family. I come from a large Italian family, so gathering to cook and share homemade food is one of my favorite things to do. It’s a tradition that brings us closer and something I cherish deeply, especially when I see my three daughters enjoying those same experiences and creating their own memories. My favorite place to eat isn’t a restaurant—it’s my mother’s kitchen, where she prepares everything from scratch, from homemade gnocchi to eggplant parmigiana. Beyond the incredible meals, it’s the time spent together around the table that means the most to me.

Q: Who inspires you?

A: The people who inspire me most to be a better person are my mom and dad. Growing up in Italy taught me the importance of strong family values. My parents showed me that taking care of each other and extending that care to those around us is what matters most. Those lessons have shaped how I lead today. I truly care about the people I work with and consider the men and women of the Broomfield Police Department as part of my extended family. I believe that leading with empathy, respect, and a genuine commitment to others creates an environment where people feel valued and supported.

Q: Anything else you’d like to add?

A: I am truly honored to serve as Chief of Police. I am grateful for the support of our community and for the dedication of everyone in this organization who works with such professionalism and commitment to protect and serve Broomfield.

Bette Erickson writes about people, places, and events. Contact her at bette_erickson@hotmail.com.