For Immediate Release

Friday, April 22, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Jeffrey Gillen Named Next Groveland Police Chief

GROVELAND — The Groveland Board of Selectman has appointed Deputy Chief Jeffrey Gillen the next Groveland Police Chief.

Deputy Gillen will take over for Chief Robert Kirmelewicz who is retiring next year.

“I feel proud and humble to have the opportunity to lead the department where I have spent my career,” Deputy Gillen said. “Since 1990, I have had the chance to learn from and interact with so many wonderful people here in Groveland, and I am grateful for the chance to move the Groveland Police Department forward.”

As new chief, Gillen has exciting plans for the department. He will pursue re-certification under the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission, ensuring that the department is in line with nationwide best practices in law enforcement. He will also build upon the department’s strong working relationship with the Pentucket Regional School District and enhance officer-involved programs with schoolchildren. He is also planning a bicycle safety event this summer in conjunction with the Langley-Adams Public Library.

The new chief is also committed to community policing and building strong relationships with individual residents and business owners in town, understanding that they are the Police Department’s best partners as well as their eyes and ears.

As chief, Gillen will also be committed to transparency and openness with the public, in an effort to build trust with the community through communication.  He is also committed to senior citizen wellness and security.

He is also a graduate of the 250th session of the FBI National Academy, a honor claimed by less than 1 percent of police officers nationwide.

“I am very grateful to the Groveland Board of Selectman for their appointment, and also to Chief Kirmelewicz for his leadership and guidance over the years,” Deputy Gillen said.

Deputy Gillen is a Georgetown native who has lived in Groveland or Georgetown all his life. He has been married for 27 years to his wife, Lori. The couple has two children, Kelly and Kyle.

Deputy Gillen’s appointment is subject to negotiation of an employment contract with the town.

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