Retired Chief Al Gordon to Receive 2018 Good Scout Award

Marlborough, MA— Alan “Al” Gordon, retired Westborough Chief of Police, will receive the Westborough Good Scout Award on Wednesday, November 7, 2018.

The gathering will begin at 6:00 pm at the DoubleTree Hotel in Westborough with an Opening Ceremony by the Scouts at 6:55 pm. Dinner and the Good Scout Award presentation will follow.

The Good Scout Award Dinner raises money to support scouting while recognizing people who personify the Scout Oath and have excelled in their career and personal lives. The Mayflower Council, BSA presents this award to individuals who have exemplified themselves in outstanding community leadership, have demonstrated a concern for the welfare of others and have been role models to all young people. Gordon, who retired in January when he reached the mandatory retirement age with his 65th birthday, has been a part of the town’s police force since 1974. He was named chief in 2002.

Gordon, a lifelong resident of Westborough, attended Quinsigamond Community College and Western New England College where he received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. He later attended the Worcester Police Academy.

Gordon’s connection to Scouting began when he joined the Westborough High School Explorer Post during his youth. Deeply committed to the community and with an affinity for young people, Gordon remains active in town. Despite his retirement he has continued his 20+ year tradition of supporting community events including National Read Across America Day where he reads to local school children, something he became involved with when he served as a lieutenant. He is also a strong supporter of the recently opened Westborough Behavioral Healthcare Hospital and their youth services.

Al is a recognized leader and community organizer, presenting innovative programs and supporting a range of important initiatives. As an active member of the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, he was assigned to work on the Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative, and was later appointed to represent the Chiefs on the Governance Committee of the organization. Working with the Westborough Youth and Family Services, they introduced the Westborough Youth Diversion Program to other agencies. This program has been very successful in directing youthful offenders away from the courts and into counselling with their family. Al was recognized by the JDAI for his contributions to the organization.

He has served as a baseball umpire, basketball referee, and was a member of the Westborough Rotary Club. He is the past president of Local 429, International Brotherhood of Police Officers, and serves on three associations representing Chiefs of Police. He is a Constable for the town, and a member of the Municipal Building Committee.

Lady Baden-Powell Award

Judy Wilchynski, a longtime Westborough resident and tireless volunteer, will receive the Lady Baden-Powell Award that evening. The award is named after Olava Baden-Powell who founded the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts based upon the Boy Scout model begun by her husband, Robert Baden Powell.

The Lady Baden-Powell Good Scout Award is presented to distinguished women who have had a significant impact on Westborough area youth through service to others, community leadership, and personal example. Through their dedication and commitment, they enrich the lives of our those in our community.

For dinner tickets, sponsorship opportunities or further information please contact Carlene Covino, Special Events/Marketing, at (508) 217-4622 or Carlene.Covino@scouting.org

WHAT: 2018 Westborough Good Scout Award Dinner

SPECIAL HONOREE: Retired Westborough Chief of Police Alan Gordon

WHEN: Wednesday, November 7, at 6:00 p.m.

WHERE: DoubleTree Hotel, Westborough, MA

About the Good Scout Award and Scouting in Westborough –

The Scouting Program in Westborough has been serving our youth and families for many decades. The Good Scout Award dinner raises necessary funds to support Scouting while recognizing those individuals who personify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives and who have excelled in their chosen career or personal interests.

Scouting in Westborough Statistics:

• 3 Packs, 2 Troops and 1 Explorer Post and 1 Venturing Crew
• 12 young adults in Exploring
• 48 young adults in Venturing
• 115 boys in Boy Scouts
• 116 boys in Cub Scouts
• 156 Scouts participated in Camping Experiences – on an average of one activity per month
• 5,900 hours of Community Service performed by Packs, Troops, Explorer Post and Venturing Crews
• 6 Eagle Scouts Awarded
• More than 5,200 pounds of food collected for families in need