Chelmsford Police Officers were recognized for their outstanding work during the department’s 27th annual award ceremony. (Photo Courtesy Chelmsford Police) 
Officer Gillis, Officer C. Robinson and Det. Ubele stands with their Meritorious Service Awards for Outstanding Performance of Duty. (Photo Courtesy Chelmsford Police) 
Chelmsford Police School Resource Officers Ashley Rokas, David Linstad, and Dan Sullivan receive award certificates during the department’s 27th annual award ceremony. (Photo Courtesy Chelmsford Police) 
Det. Ubele, Det. Hill, Det. Blodgett and Lt William Carlo during the Chelmsford Police Department’s annual award ceremony. (Photo Courtesy Chelmsford Police) 
Officer Cory D’Entremont (right) received the Meritorious Service Award for Lifesaving Actions due to his involvement in the de-escalation and actions in saving a suicidal individual. (Photo Courtesy Chelmsford Police) 
Members of the Chelmsford Police Department, Chelmsford Police Foundation, and families gather for the 27th Annual Award Ceremony held at the Princeton Station. (Photo Courtesy Chelmsford Police) 
Chief Spence and Det. Blodgett stood during the Chelmsford Police Department’s 27th annual awards ceremony, as they are both scheduled to reitre later this year. (Photo Courtesy Chelmsford Police)
CHELMSFORD — Each year, Chelmsford Police hosts an annual awards ceremony in collaboration with the Chelmsford Police Foundation to recognize the extraordinary work of officers.
This year marks the 27th annual award ceremony, and 18 officers were presented with Meritorious Service Award certificates and uniform pins for their unwavering dedication to the Chelmsford community. The ceremony was held at the Princeton Station with breakfast provided for staff and their families.
“Every day, you show up for this community with professionalism, compassion, and a true commitment to service. It is an honor to work alongside each of you,” said Chief Colin Spence.
The following officers were recognized:
Meritorious Service Award for Lifesaving Actions
Officer Cory D’Entremont received the award due to his involvement in the de-escalation and actions in saving an individual in a mental health crisis.
During a routine shift, Officer D’Entremont responded to the overpass of Drum Hill for a report of a man sitting on the ledge. Upon arrival, Officer D’Entremont saw a bystander speaking with the man and knew he had a brief moment to intervene. Without hesitation, Officer D’Entremont pulled the individual away from the ledge to safety.
Officer D’Entremont’s courage and split-second decision-making allowed him to save a man’s life and connect them with the appropriate resources.
Meritorious Service Award for Outstanding Performance of Duty
School Resource Officers Dan Sullivan, Ashley Rokas, and David Linstad were recognizedf or embracing their roles in the schools and the community.
SRO Sullivan is actively involved not only in our schools but also in the community with community visits with Ozzie the police departments comfort dog. SRO Sullivan also organizes community events that benefit various groups in need, is the President of CPAL, and organizes the Police Departments Youth Police Academy.
He also has a knack for remembering students’ names as he always makes sure he checks in and says hello to students.
SRO Rokas assists with the Youth Police Academy and has been the head coach of Chelmsford High School Women’s Lacrosse for 9 years and has won three state titles and been named by the Lowell Sun as Coach of the Year three times.
SRO Linstad is involved in CPAL, organizes the various ALICE Drills, Civilian Responses to Active Shooter and also runs several of the after school programs at McCarthy.
Officer Christopher Robinson, Officer Robert Riordan, Lt. Steve Fredericks, and K9 Officer Leo were recognized for their response in an unarmed robbery that occurred on Chelmsford Street at a local business.
Officer Riordan arrived first on scene and immediately tended to the victim and ensured further safety for her and the surrounding community. Lt. Fredericks took command of the scene and initiated a search for the suspect. Officer Robinson assisted with the K9 unit in tracking the individual and conducted follow-up interviews. Officers swiftly located the suspect, who was hiding in a nearby wooded area.
These officers’ combined efforts ensured that a young victim received immediate support, that the community was protected from further harm, and that a violent felon was swiftly brought to justice.
Sergeant Matthew Fernald received recognition for his integral role in department operations. Sgt. Fernald is involved in the majority of fatal crash investigations and has become a leader of our accident reconstruction unit.
Sgt. Fernald’s also conducts the majority of the police department’s medical, first responder and CPR training. The Chelmsford Police Department was recently recognized for the high level of medical care that officers provide during medical calls and this is a testament to Sgt. Fernald’s exceptional training of officers.
Officer Aidan Gillis was recognized for his commitment to community engagement and social media.
Officer Gillis has been a member of the department for approximately 10 years and has been instrumental in establishing the department’s social media platforms and website. He also goes above and beyond for the department, through his involvement in various programs including Critical Incident Stress Debriefing, Employee Wellness Programs, Youth Police Academy, and almost all charity events the department participates in.
Officer Christopher Robinson, Officer Landon Johnson, and Officer Riley O’Keefe responded to a call for a man that was exposing himself at a local business.
Through their quick efforts and professionalism, Officers Robinson, Johnson, and O’Keefe were able to obtain an accurate description and conduct a thorough search of the area. As a result, officers were able to locate and detain the individual at an apartment complex near Lowell. After the man’s arrest, it was determined he had an extensive history of violence.
Officer Andrew Robinson was recognized for his proactive policing. During a routine traffic stop for a BMW with a revoked registration, Officer Robinson learned that the driver of the vehicle had a suspended license. It was also determined that the occupants of the car had prior narcotics charges.
Officer Robinson placed the operator under arrest and conducted a search of the vehicle. During the search, he observed narcotics, including fentanyl and crack cocaine. Due to the diligent work of Officer Robinson, Chelmsford Police were able to remove over 30 grams of narcotics from the streets.
Officer Riley O’Keefe was recognized for his professionalism during a dangerous situation. During grant-funded traffic enforcement, Officer O’Keefe observed a vehicle traveling well over the speed limit and attempted to conduct a motor vehicle stop. However, the driver of the vehicle did not stop and proceeded to flee the scene and eventually ran into a residence and barricaded himself inside.
Officer O’Keefe called for backup and requested NEMLEC SWAT to assist in the de-escalation of the incident. After 30 minutes, the individual excited the home and was arrested.
Throughout the encounter, Officer O’Keefe demonstrated professionalism, sound judgment and remained calm under pressure. His decisive actions ensured a safe resolution.
Detective Brian Ubele was recognized for his advanced investigatory skills.
Det. Ubele serves on the Massachusetts State Police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. While working on an in-depth case, Detective Ubele received a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding CSAM(Child Sex Abuse Material).
His investigation confirmed that illicit content was being sent and identified the suspect as a Chelmsford resident. Working in partnership with state and federal agencies, Detective Ubele obtained multiple search warrants, resulting in the seizure of numerous electronic devices.
As a result of the extensive evidence uncovered, federal authorities assumed prosecution, and the suspect is now wanted on a federal arrest warrant.
Detective Derek Hill was recognized for his compassionate, victim‑centered approach and outstanding dedication to protecting vulnerable members of our community.
Det. Hillwas instrumental in investigating a complex financial scam that targeted an elderly resident who lost more than $60,000.
Through persistent follow‑up, Detective Hill traced the fraud to an individual in New York who was also a victim of a nearly identical scheme and had unknowingly facilitated the scam. Working closely with out‑of‑state law enforcement and financial institutions, Detective Hill helped protect both victims from further exploitation.
As a result of the investigation and Detective Hill’s diligent work nearly all of the stolen funds were recovered.
Detective Jeffrey Blodgett was recognized for his Outstanding Service and support to victims and the community.
Det. Blodgett has been a member of the Chelmsford Police Department for 32 years, with 25 years as a detective. Throughout his career, he worked on a variety of cases, including child abuse investigations.
During one case, Detective Blodgett was made aware that a child was being abused by a close family member. Without hesitation, he immediately opened an investigation and notified the District Attorney’s Office. During the investigation, Det. Blodgett ensured that the victim was safe and provided a variety of resources to the victim and the family. As a result of the extensive investigation led by Det Blodgett, the individual was arrested, convicted, and sentenced to 15-18 years in prison.
As Det. Blodgett approaches retirement later this year, he leaves behind a legacy defined by extraordinary investigative skill, compassion for victims, and unwavering dedication to justice. His impact on this department, the community, and the lives he helped protect will endure for years to come. His departure will undoubtedly leave a significant void within the department, but his impact on the community and the victims he has helped will endure for years to come.
“Our annual award ceremony allows our department to come together and recognize the outstanding work we do each day, while also thanking those who support us,” said Chief Spence. “I would like to thank the Chelmsford Police Foundation for hosting our award ceremony each year. While my retirement is around the corner, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how honored I have been to participate in these ceremonies each year and watch our officers grow and thrive both individually and together.”
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