Berkshire Juvenile Chief Probation Officer is Recipient
Of the 2008 Kevin Duggan Community Service Award

William Gale, recipient of 2008 Kevin Duggan Community Service Award.

Kevin Duggan, award namesake

The Office of the Commissioner of Probation and the Office of Community Corrections are pleased to announce the recipient of the 2008 Kevin Duggan Community Service Award: William Gale, Berkshire County Juvenile Chief Probation Officer.

This special recognition was established last year in honor of Kevin Duggan, former statewide supervisor of the Massachusetts Trial Court Community Service Program, who passed away in June 2006.

The award will be presented to Gale at the sixth annual Probation Employee Recognition Awards Ceremony on Friday, May 16th, at the Massachusetts State House. Gale will receive his award in a separate ceremony following the presentation of the Probation Employee Recognition Awards.

Stephen V. Price, Executive Director of the Office of Community Corrections, said of Gale, “Ten years ago when Kevin Duggan brought the Community Service Program to Berkshire County, Juvenile Chief Probation Officer Bill Gale quickly recognized the value that the program could provide to his jurisdiction. While working closely with Kevin, Bill garnered support for the program by encouraging referrals from the court and his Probation department. Bill also got involved with identifying worthwhile and meaningful work projects that would be suitable for the juvenile population. The program’s success could not have been achieved without the hard work and dedication of Bill Gale.”

Berkshire Juvenile Chief Probation Officer Gale, commenting on this recognition, said, "This award signifies the commitment our judges, Probation Officers, and myself have in the Office of Community Corrections and its staff. It's a luxury to have O.C.C. supervise our clients as they fulfill their Community Service obligations to the court. It's clearly a win-win situation. The parents like it because they know their kids are safe. Probation Officers like it because they are able to concentrate on other duties. And, the public likes it because our clients are being held accountable while providing a valuable service."

Gale, a 15-year employee of the Massachusetts Probation Service, has served as the Berkshire Juvenile Chief Probation Officer for the past 11 years. Prior to his appointment as chief, Gale was a Probation Officer at the Pittsfield District Court from 1995 to 1997. He began his probation career in 1993 at the Worcester Juvenile Court where he served until 1995 as a Probation Officer.