GIANNA WATSON

^{Framingham, Mass.}

On Saturday, Feb. 22, 2026, Officer Gianna Watson was on routine patrol along Route 9 in Framingham, a heavily traveled roadway. During her patrol, she observed an individual in a wheelchair traveling in the roadway due to snow-covered sidewalks. The individual was unable to safely navigate traffic and needed assistance. Officer Watson immediately stopped and assisted by pushing the wheelchair, guiding the individual safely out of the roadway and to a secure location.

We applaud Officer Watson for her attentiveness, compassion, and commitment to public safety. Her actions embody the spirit of the Servant Officer and reflect the highest standards of the City of Framingham’s Police Department.

RYAN KILLEEN

^{Weymouth, Mass.}

Officer Ryan Killeen consistently puts others' needs and feelings before his own. Known to many as a "go-to" officer, he leads by example and is always among the first to step up and volunteer to assist. 

One recent example: Immediately after the line-of-duty death of an officer in Massachusetts, he joined two other Weymouth Police Officers in delivering a care package to that department.

A few days later, Officer Killeen volunteered to ride his assigned police motorcycle approximately 250 miles round trip to assist in the dignified escort of the deceased officer from a medical examiner's office in western Massachusetts. This effort took place following a recent snowfall and ice storm, with temperatures in the teens.

MICHAEL PEELER

^{Cleveland, Miss.}

The Delta State University (DSU) Police Department wanted to lift up Chief Michael Peeler for his outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to others. His genuine love and compassion for the DSU faculty, staff, students, and community—along with the Department’s partner agencies—truly set him apart.

Chief Peeler exemplifies what it means to be a Servant Officer, consistently placing the needs of others before his own. As he often reminds his team, “It’s not about the leaders, it’s about those being led.” This spirit of dedication—coupled with his vision and guidance—make Chief Peeler a true model of leadership.

Artie DePinho

^{Boston, Mass.}

A graduate of the LHLN Significant Leader Series, Officer Artie DePinho leads through service, bringing people together, and creating opportunity. Officer DePinho is assigned to the Youth Violence Strike Force. His role focuses on working with community partners to connect people to resources and services. His work reflects a growing and innovative focus on prevention and community partnership within policing.

He also co-founded Waymaker Boxing, a nonprofit gym in Dorchester. Waymaker Boxing is built on a simple idea: boxing is the tool; community and leadership are the outcome. Through structured training and mentorship, the gym helps develop the next generation of leaders.

Mckale Washington

^{Moore, Okl.}

Sgt. McKale Washington represents the kind of leadership that doesn’t wait to be called—it shows up. Ahead of an incoming winter storm, he took it upon himself to salt driveways and porches for residents who might need extra help.

No lights. No sirens. Just a commitment to serve. And when the storm passed, he was back out in the community—helping shovel snow and clear walkways for neighbors. These weren’t assigned duties—they were intentional acts of care.

His impact goes even further. After noticing a young man walking an hour and a half to work each day, Sgt. Washington stepped in—building a relationship and providing him with a bicycle, turning hardship into opportunity.

Sgt. Washington reminds us that leadership isn’t defined by rank—it’s defined by action. Through consistent, quiet service, he’s making his community better one person at a time.

Stephen Turner

^{Tazewell, Vir.}

Leadership is often measured not by rank, but by the impact someone has on the people around them. Lieutenant Stephen Turner of the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia exemplifies that kind of servant leadership.

Known as a selfless and dependable leader, Lt. Turner consistently invests in others by sharing his knowledge, mentoring fellow deputies, and supporting those across the department. His commitment to helping people grow and strengthening both his department and community reflects the true heart of leadership through service.

Through humility, mentorship, and action, Lt. Turner continues to make a lasting impact on those around him.

Alex Morice

^{Asheville, NC}

Officer Alex Morice embodies what servant leadership looks like in action. As the School Resource Officer at AC Reynolds Middle School, he brings heart, passion, and purpose into every interaction. A retired educator turned law enforcement officer, Officer Morice continues to serve others by building meaningful relationships with students—especially those facing challenges outside of school.

Whether he’s mentoring students, sharing conversations at lunch, joining in friendly handshakes, or helping deescalate difficult situations with patience and compassion, Officer Morice consistently shows up for the people who need him most. His commitment to both student connection and campus safety makes a lasting impact each day.

Officer Morice is more than an officer—he’s a mentor, protector, and servant leader who is helping shape lives for the better at AC Reynolds Middle School.

Nicolas Jablonsky

Titusville, FL

Sergeant Joshua Newsom

Lynn Haven, FL

Some leaders make an impact through what they accomplish. Others make an impact through how they serve. Sergeant Joshua Newsom of the Lynn Haven Police Department exemplifies servant leadership through his dedication to his department, his community, and the people around him.

This week, we are honored to recognize Sgt. Newsom as a Featured Servant Officer. Since joining the Lynn Haven Police Department in 2016, he has consistently demonstrated professionalism, humility, and a commitment to serving others. His dedication earned him the department's Officer of the Year award in 2022, reflecting the impact he has made on both his agency and community.

Sgt. Newsom's service extends far beyond his daily responsibilities. Following Hurricane Ian, he volunteered to assist the City of North Port during a time of great need. He also serves on the department's SWAT Team and led the development of its Water Operations Unit, helping strengthen the agency's ability to respond to emergencies and protect the community.

Whether mentoring fellow officers or volunteering at community events such as Public Safety Touch-a-Truck and Popsicles with the Police, Sgt. Newsom consistently leads with a positive attitude and a servant's heart. His willingness to serve, support, and invest in others makes him a deserving Featured Servant Officer and an outstanding example of leadership in action.

Thank you, Sergeant Joshua Newsom, for your dedication to service and your commitment to making a difference every day.