News  Christopher Gray is sworn in as Bristol Juvenile Court Chief Probation Officer

Above: Chief Gray is sworn in by Justice Spinale

Court leaders—including Presiding Juvenile Court Judge John Spinale, Probation Commissioner Pamerson Ifill, and Bristol Juvenile Judge Tracie Marciarelli Souza spoke about Chief Gray’s professionalism, dedication, and compassion to his work and to Bristol County juveniles and their families. Bristol Juvenile Court has four offices: Attleboro, Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton.

“Today is a special day. I think one of the happiest signings I’ve made as Commissioner of Probation is Chris Gray’s appointment as Chief Probation Officer,” said Commissioner Ifill. “I do want to really acknowledge Chris and the 27 years he has put into the Juvenile Court Department.”

“His contributions and the work he has done over the years and his commitment and passion for the work we do here in MPS is unmatched,” said Commissioner Ifill.

Juvenile Court Probation Statewide Supervisor Joseph Abber addressed the audience which included Juvenile Chief Probation Officers from across the state, including Worcester Juvenile CPO Kimberly Lawrence, Norfolk Juvenile CPO Reginald Vibert, Essex Juvenile CPO Colleen O'Donnell, Middlesex Juvenile CPO Stephen Allsopp, and Plymouth Juvenile CPO James Quinn as well as retired chiefs Kevin Martin and Joel West. Mr. Abber spoke about Mr. Gray’s compassion and his impact on the Juvenile Court and the fact that the courtroom was filled with family, friends, and supporters despite the 100-degree day.

“Juvenile Court is very difficult. We have three sets of standards—you can argue a 4th with Pretrial Chris can do it all. Chris has been a trainer, a mentor to many. He knows this job inside and out,” said Mr. Abber. “We have two big events in Juvenile Court. The first is Adoption Day and the second is Swearing In Ceremonies because it is often a culmination of decades of work.

Judge Souza spoke about CPO Gray’s “model of consistency, integrity, and quiet leadership….You have never sought the spotlight. Your impact has been clear to all around you—colleagues, court officers, judges, and the community.” She added, “Chris, you’ve earned respect not just by how well you do your job; but, by how well you care for it. It’s that combination of confidence and compassion that makes today so special. Because this role is not simply about enforcement. It is about guidance, structure, and second chances.”

Justice Spinale, who administered the oath of office to Chief Gray, spoke about how they worked together throughout the years in the Juvenile Court system. Mr. Gray recited the oath as Justice swore him in and his wife, two sons, daughter, and older brother looked on from the audience.

Chief Gray first joined MPS as a Plymouth Juvenile Probation Officer in April 1998. He was promoted to Assistant Chief in the Bristol Juvenile Court in August 2020. Two years later in October 2022, Mr. Gray was promoted to First Assistant Chief Probation Officer where he served until his most recent appointment as Chief. He holds a BA in Social Science from Suffolk University.