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.