Gardner PD Highlights Recent Hires
New officers hired last year and this year at the Gardner Police Department have helped replenish the ranks as vacancies occured by departures and retirements.
The Gardner PD released this information: “Over the past several months the Gardner PD has had multiple officers join the GPD team.
On May 19,2025 Officer Russell Counts Joined GPD. He brings 14 years of police experience from Jupiter, FL PD. We are honored to have him as a member of our team and has been a great addition.
On September 12, 2025 Officer Christoper Black graduated from the Fitchburg State University Police Academy and has completed his 10 week FTO program and is now patrolling in the Gardner Community. We are excited to have him as a member of our department and look forward to watching him grow as an officer.
On December 12,2025 Officer Michael King graduated from the Holyoke police academy. Graduation ceremonies were held on the UMass Amherst campus. Officer King is a resident of Gardner and is currently finishing the final phase of his 10 week FTO program.
Lastly, On January 29,2026 Officer Derek Wight graduated from the first Marlborough Academy (formerly Boylston Police Academy) where the ceremonies were held at Doherty Memorial High School in Worcester. Officer Wight is currently in his first phase of FTO 10 week program where he will ride with a veteran officer who will help coach him on being an officer in the Gardner Community.
These new officers have helped fill vacancies and recent officer retirements. We are honored that they have chosen Gardner PD and look forward to seeing what the future will bring to the PD. Congratulations gentlemen!”