05/15/2026
Last night, the Fitchburg Police Department had the honor of recognizing the outstanding work, dedication, and service of our members and community partners during our Annual Awards Ceremony.
Throughout the evening, we recognized individuals and teams whose professionalism, commitment, and teamwork made a significant impact on our department and community throughout 2025.
🏅 Officer Dretske received the Outstanding Performance in Service Award for his quick and decisive actions in locating and apprehending an attempted homicide suspect shortly after the incident occurred. His actions helped safely take an armed and dangerous individual into custody before the suspect could further enter the City of Fitchburg.
🏅 Officer Gonzalez received the Outstanding Performance in Service Award for his work in complex narcotics investigations involving methamphetamine and fentanyl trafficking. His investigative efforts contributed to the arrest of a suspect connected to a larger federal drug trafficking investigation and reflected positively on the Fitchburg Police Department.
🏅 Captain McCarthy received the Outstanding Performance in Service Award for his exceptional leadership, innovation, and dedication to the department. From helping lead the department’s reorganization efforts to advancing technology, data systems, and operational efficiency, his behind-the-scenes work has had a tremendous impact on the organization and community.
🏅 Sgt. Parker and retired K9 Drago received the Outstanding Performance in Teamwork Award for their exceptional partnership, professionalism, and service to the community. Throughout their time together, the team completed more than 600 deployments resulting in over 300 arrests, while also building strong community connections through school visits, public events, and outreach efforts across the City of Fitchburg.
🏅 The Investigations Bureau received the Outstanding Performance in Teamwork Award for their exceptional work in solving a complex homicide investigation involving the death of a 16-year-old victim during a robbery. Through months of coordinated investigative work, extensive evidence review, and collaboration with partner agencies, detectives identified and arrested three suspects, demonstrating unwavering dedication to justice and community safety.
🏅 The Fitchburg Special Response Team (SRT) received the Outstanding Performance in Teamwork Award for their professionalism and operational success throughout 2025. Through 18 critical operations involving violent offenders, fi****ms offenses, and major investigations, the team demonstrated exceptional readiness, teamwork, and commitment to community safety.
🏅 Sgt. Buri was recognized for 15 years of dedicated service to the Fitchburg Police Department. Throughout his career, Sgt. Buri has demonstrated professionalism, leadership, and a continued commitment to serving both the department and the Fitchburg community.
🏅 Bill Linton of Promega Corporation received the Chief’s Award for his continued generosity, leadership, and support of the Fitchburg Police Department and community. His contributions, including support for the future police facility and investments in public safety initiatives, have had a lasting impact on both department operations and employee morale.
Also recognized but not pictured:
Officer Newell, Officer Hamberg, and Detective Campbell for 5 years of service, along with Officer Hinojos and Officer Topel for 10 years of dedicated service to the Fitchburg Police Department.
🏅 Adam Ali and Ahmed Hundubey received the Chief’s Award for their quick thinking and selfless actions during a medical emergency. After witnessing an individual collapse, they immediately called 911 and began administering CPR until EMS arrived, helping give the patient a chance at survival.
We are grateful for the dedication of all of our sworn and professional staff, as well as the strong partnerships we continue to build within our community. Congratulations to all of this year’s award recipients!
