It's kind of funny, really. The friendship is cause for some unusual dynamics in the Police Department, such as the captain perpetually razzing the chief for everything from his receding hairline to his affinity for fine clothes. But the combination serves the department well, largely because the two friends, despite their similarities, have distinctively different personalities, said police Lt. Pellecchia is a little looser, he said, sometimes smoothing out issues between the chief and officers who get the job done but not exactly by the book. Most important, he added, they lead by example.
People see that and respect that.
During a recent conversation with the pair, Pellecchia did most of the talking. He appears younger than his years, with a perfectly coiffed, full head of hair, a quick smile, and perpetual energy. He said he recently began taking karate classes, and the instructor told him to lay off the younger guys because he's in better shape. Hofmann occasionally chuckled as he sat behind his neatly ordered desk. The years have rounded him off a bit, but he sparkles around Pellecchia.