Introduction
Joseph T. "Joe" Hackett is an American legislator, and member of the Republican Party. In 2010, he was elected to represent the 161st District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Hackett won 53.5% of the vote. Currently serving his first two-year term as State Representative, Hackett has served 26 years as a veteran of local, county, and federal law enforcement. During his first year serving as State Representative, Joe was recognized as “Legislator of the Year.”
Career
During his law enforcement career, Hackett served as a patrolman, detective and corporal. Joe Hackett has co-founded and served as the first president of the Delaware County Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation, honoring those law enforcement personnel who died while performing their duties. He was recognized for his community service by the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Knights of Columbus, and was named the Delaware County Police Emerald Society’s Man of the Year and the Delaware County Law Enforcement Man of the Year. Hackett has also served as the President and Secretary of the Ridley Township Police Association, Vice President of the Swarthmorewood Athletic Association, and an Executive Board Member and Lodge Delegate for Delaware County FOP Lodge 27.
Joe Hackett has been primarily focused on supporting several key issues, including jobs and the economy, welfare reform, crime and public safety, and transparency and accountability in government.
On April 2, 2015, Rep. Hackett announced his resignation from the House District 161 seat in Pennsylvania's House Legislature, effective April 30, 2015. In a press release, he cited that ″in light of recent episodes and situations that have placed a strain on the relationship between police and citizens of this nation, I’ve realized my true passion is in law enforcement.″