Brookline PD Advocate Honored by MA Assoc. Of Women In Law Enforcement

BROOKLINE, MA — A Brookline Police Department employee has been recognized by the Massachusetts Association of Women in Law Enforcement (MAWLE) as one of this year's Spirit of MAWLE Award honorees.

The 2023 Spirit of MAWLE Awards was held on Thursday, June 22 at the Irish Cultural Center in Canton. Six women, including Domestic Violence Advocate Doreen Gallagher, were recognized in award categories, and an additional 36 women received Special Recognition certificates.

"The Spirit of MAWLE Awards were first held in 2012 in memory of Massachusetts State Police Trooper Ellen Engelhardt, who passed away in 2011," said MAWLE President Marie Cleary. "Since then, we have continued to celebrate significant achievements by women in law enforcement and criminal justice professions, and are inspired by how the number of nominations has grown each year."

"We were delighted to welcome so many award recipients, police chiefs, colleagues, family members and friends as we recognized this year's award recipients and their exceptional contributions," Cleary added. "I would also like to acknowledge the members of the Awards Selection Committee, who help to make this event successful each year."

Gallagher received the Civilian Achievement award, which recognizes a civilian within the law enforcement field who distinguishes herself through outstanding achievements and who has gone above and beyond to support, promote, and enhance the criminal justice profession.

According to MAWLE, Gallagher was recognized for her tireless work assisting victims, survivors, and their families. During and since the COVID-19 pandemic, she has helped people seeking guidance and assisted those reaching out and needing resources, also helping victims obtain restraining orders and harassment prevention orders via Zoom hearings.

"[Gallagher] is described as thorough and empathic," MAWLE said in a statement. "She brings years of experience to her role, and is not only a great resource herself, but is aware of alternative resources and programs and works to connect survivors to them. She also works with many families where mental health issues are combined with a domestic violence aspect. She works to navigate the system and goes over options with families, supporting them in ways that always puts safety at the forefront."