CHELMSFORD, Mass. — Chief Gary Hannagan recognizes and congratulates Detective Jeffrey Blodgett on his retirement after 32 years of dedicated service to the Chelmsford Police Department and the Chelmsford community.
Detective Blodgett was recognized during a retirement ceremony held on July 31, 2026, where fellow officers, family members, friends, and Town officials gathered to celebrate a career defined by professionalism, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to public service.
Blodgett began his career with the Chelmsford Police Department in 1994, at a time when community policing was still an emerging philosophy in law enforcement. Early in his career, while assigned to the Community Response Division, he recognized the importance of building strong relationships with residents and helped shape the department’s approach to community policing. His ability to connect with people and earn the trust of the community became a hallmark of his career.
He later spent six years assigned to the Operations Division, where he earned a reputation as a dependable patrol officer committed to serving the residents of Chelmsford with professionalism and integrity.
In 2001, Blodgett was selected to join the Criminal Bureau as a detective, a role he proudly served in for the next 25 years. Throughout his tenure, he became one of the department’s most respected investigators and a trusted mentor whose knowledge and experience benefited generations of officers.
Among his many accomplishments, Blodgett played a pivotal role in the Chelmsford Drug Unit alongside Detective George Tyros and then-Detective Todd Ahern. While aggressively investigating narcotics offenses, the team also recognized the devastating impact addiction was having on local families. Together, they helped pioneer a compassionate approach that balanced enforcement with education, outreach, and support for those struggling with substance use disorder.
Long before many agencies adopted similar initiatives, Blodgett understood that successful policing required both accountability and empathy. His work helped countless individuals and families navigate some of the most difficult moments of their lives and contributed to a model of policing that continues to influence the department’s approach today.
Throughout his career, Blodgett was known not only for his investigative skills but also for his willingness to mentor younger officers, share his expertise, and support his colleagues. His quick wit, sense of humor, and well-known “reply all” emails brought laughter to the department, while his readiness to help others earned him the respect and admiration of everyone who had the privilege of working alongside him.
“Detective Blodgett has dedicated more than three decades to serving the Chelmsford community with professionalism, compassion, and integrity,” said Chief Gary Hannagan. “Throughout his career, he has exemplified what it means to be a public servant. Whether mentoring younger officers, investigating complex cases, or helping families affected by substance use, Jeff consistently led with both determination and empathy. His impact on this department and our community is immeasurable, and we are grateful for his 32 years of exceptional service. On behalf of the entire Chelmsford Police Department, I congratulate Jeff on an outstanding career and wish him a long, healthy, and well-earned retirement.”
As Detective Blodgett retires, he leaves behind a legacy of service that will continue to influence the Chelmsford Police Department for years to come. His institutional knowledge, professionalism, and commitment to the community will be greatly missed by his fellow officers and the residents he faithfully served.
The Chelmsford Police Department congratulates Detective Jeffrey Blodgett on his retirement and thanks him for his extraordinary service to the Town of Chelmsford over the past 32 years.
