Cambridge Police Officer Honored by Gay Officers Action League

CAMBRIDGE, MA - Cambridge Police Detective Brian O’Connor was honored by the Gay Officers Action League of New England (GOAL-NE) at its Annual Banquet and Awards Ceremony on Saturday, November 11 at Club Café in Boston.

Detective O’Connor, who works out of the Department’s Criminal Investigations Section with a focus on Financial and Internet Crimes, also serves as the liaison to Cambridge’s LGBTQ+ Commission.

O'Connor, who has been with the Cambridge Police Department for the past 17 years, began serving as a liaison with Cambridge’s LGBTQ+ Commission in 2016.

"I take great pride in serving as the liaison with the LGBTQ+ community here in Cambridge," he said this week. "It’s important because, as a department, we want everyone in the community to feel comfortable and safe. I’ve been able to build on the relationships established by Commissioner Burke (the previous liaison at CPD) and serve as a crucial bridge in closing any potential gaps between the police and the LGBTQ+ community."

As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, O'Connor said he is honored to have received this award.

"We are committed to building trust and legitimacy with diverse communities and this recognition demonstrates the progress we have made as a department with the LGBTQ+ community," he said.

O'Connor received the Henry Dumas Memorial Award for being an ally of the LGBTQ+ community through his support of GOAL-NE, his work with the Cambridge LGBTQ+ Commission, and his “tireless efforts to move the LGBTQ+ community forward.”

Police Commissioner Branville Bard stated, “Through his ongoing efforts, Detective O’Connor has established a strong relationship between the Cambridge Police Department and members and allies of the LGBTQ+ community. This work is so critical in building trust between the Department and community. We’re proud of his efforts and congratulate him on this deserving recognition.”

Courtesy Photo / Cambridge Police Dept.

Commissioner Bard (left) with Detective O'Connor (right) at the Gay Officers Action League of New England (GOAL-NE) Annual Banquet and Awards Ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 11.