14th Annual Mental Health and Law Enforcement Conference
Boston College’s William F. Connell School of Nursing (CSON) and the Massachusetts Center for Police Training in Crisis Intervention (The Center) co-hosted the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health’s (DMH) 14th Annual Mental Health and Law Enforcement Conference on June 10th. The event brought together clinicians, researchers, and law enforcement professionals from across the Commonwealth to strengthen crisis response, advance jail diversion, and improve outcomes for individuals experiencing behavioral health challenges.
As part of the conference, DMH continued its annual tradition of recognizing clinicians and law enforcement professionals whose compassion, leadership, and commitment make a meaningful difference in their communities. This year’s Awards Committee received an impressive number of nominations highlighting the exceptional work taking place across Massachusetts.
2026 Award Recipients
Karin Orr Memorial Award
The Karin Orr Memorial Award is presented to a clinician who embodies Karin’s remarkable spirit of collaboration, consistently goes above and beyond to support others, and demonstrates excellence in both clinical skills and teamwork.
Jenna Cohen, LCSW – Marshfield Police Department: Jenna was recognized for her exceptional co-response work and dedication to individuals and families experiencing behavioral health crises. Since joining the department in 2023, she has provided mental health and follow-up support on more than 1,200 calls and has become a trusted resource for officers and the Marshfield community.
Emily Gunn, LICSW – Boston Police Department, BEST Jail Diversion Co-Response: Emily was recognized for her compassionate clinical care, collaboration with law enforcement, and commitment to connecting individuals with complex needs to appropriate services and supports. She also contributes her expertise to the Boston Police Department’s Crisis Intervention Team training.
Law Enforcement Exemplary Performance Award
The Law Enforcement Exemplary Performance Award recognizes officers whose dedication to public safety is matched by a strong commitment to assisting individuals experiencing mental health, trauma, or other behavioral health challenges, including significant contributions to Jail Diversion, CIT, and Co-Response efforts.
Officer Keith Moro – Marlborough Police Department: Officer Moro was recognized for his commitment to community-focused policing and collaborative behavioral health response. His work with Marlborough’s Co-Response Jail Diversion Program has helped connect individuals with complex needs to clinical care, housing, recovery resources, and other critical supports.
Trooper Rassan Charles – Massachusetts State Police: Trooper Charles, a member of the Logan Crisis Response Team, was recognized for his professionalism and compassionate response to individuals experiencing mental health crises. His work includes a lifesaving response on the Tobin Bridge, where his de-escalation and crisis intervention skills helped safely rescue an individual in distress.
Law Enforcement Leadership Award
The Law Enforcement Leadership Award recognizes police leaders whose vision and commitment have strengthened how their departments and communities respond to behavioral health crises, creating meaningful and lasting improvements in services, partnerships, and systems.
Chief Patricia “Patty” Fisher – Newbury Police Department: Chief Fisher was recognized for her leadership in strengthening behavioral health response and helping develop and sustain the regional Jail Diversion Program. She has also championed initiatives focused on behavioral health resources, older adults, overdose awareness, and officer wellness.
Chief Brian Gill – Ayer Police Department: Chief Gill was recognized for his leadership in transforming the COIN Jail Diversion Program into a sustainable regional model serving nine communities in northwest Middlesex County. His collaborative approach has expanded access to clinical support and strengthened coordinated behavioral health response across the region.
Together, this year’s award recipients reflect the strength of collaboration between behavioral health and law enforcement across Massachusetts. Their dedication to compassionate crisis response, public safety, and meaningful improvements in how communities support individuals with behavioral health needs exemplifies the spirit of these awards.
Congratulations to all of the 2026 award recipients and nominees for their outstanding contributions!
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