07/20/2026
The Ayer Select Board and Town Manager Robert A. Pontbriand are pleased to announce that Police Chief Brian P. Gill was recently awarded the Law Enforcement Leadership Award from the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health at the Law Enforcement Conference held at Boston College last month.
Chief Gill was recognized for his great efforts adopting a municipally based model for the Community Outreach Initiative Network (COIN) Jail Diversion program for the nine towns of Ashby, Ayer, Boxborough, Dunstable, Groton, Littleton, Shirley, Townsend, and Westford. The selection committee noted that when the program became unsustainable, Chief Gill took decisive action to ensure the services continued, leading the complex transition to the new municipal model, navigating the legal, financial, and administrative challenges while keeping all nine communities aligned and engaged. Due to Chief Gill’s efforts in keeping the regional COIN program operational, officers have stronger access to clinical support and follow-up to individuals experiencing mental health and substance use challenges across the region.
Thank you for your insight and leadership, Chief Gill!