Groveland Police Department
Jeffrey Gillen, Chief
Public Safety Building
181 Main St
Groveland, MA 01834

For Immediate Release

Friday, April 6, 2018

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

Groveland Police Supervisor Presented With Merrimack Valley Credit Union’s Biggest Heart Award

Detective Sgt. Heather Riley (right) earned a Biggest Heart Award from Merrimack Valley Credit Union. (Courtesy Photo).

GROVELAND — Chief Jeffrey Gillen is pleased to announce that Groveland Police Detective Sgt. Heather Riley received a Biggest Heart award from the Merrimack Valley Credit Union at a ceremony earlier this week.

Detective Sgt. Riley was honored as MVCU’s First Responder with the Biggest Heart, in recognition of her dedication to her community and her compassion in the wake of a personal tragedy.

Following the passing of a lifelong friend after a lengthy battle with cancer, Detective Sgt. Riley did not hesitate before taking in her late friend’s teenage son, who was left without any family of his own after his mother’s death. In doing so, she committed to raising him just as his mother had, with strength and courage.

“The public expects our first responders to be selfless and dedicated to the community while they are at work,” said Groveland Police Dispatcher Catelyn Trudell in her nomination. “Heather is an example of someone who lives her entire life by that standard.”

Detective Sgt. Riley is an 11-year member of the Groveland Police Department. She became the first female supervisor in the department’s history last summer following her promotion to that rank.

“Detective Sgt. Riley is the embodiment of what it means to have a big heart, and I can’t imagine anyone who is more deserving of this honor than her,” Chief Gillen said. “I know her as a committed police officer and I have no doubt that she will fulfill her promise to take excellent care of this young man.”

With the award, MVCU presented a $500 donation to Cervivor — an organization that focuses its efforts on cervical cancer — on Detective Sgt. Riley’s behalf in honor of her late friend.

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Groveland Police Supervisor Presented With Merrimack Valley Credit Union’s Biggest Heart Award

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