On January 12, 2023, retired Sergeant Alan Gilson was honored at Manchester Town Hall for his 50 years of service. Gilson is the longest-serving officer in the Manchester Police Department’s 127-year history. To commemorate this special occasion, Senator Bruce Tarr and Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante presented citations from the Senate, House and Governor’s office.
Gilson began his career in the US Navy in 1960 at the age of 17. A turning point for Gilson came in the summer of 1967 when he jumped overboard to save a boater involved in an accident on the water in Manchester. Then Police Chief Allen Andrews asked him if he would ever considered becoming an officer. As they say, the rest is history. Gilson began as a reserve officer and then as a full time patrolman before being promoted to sergeant until his retirement as a full time officer in 2008. Gilson continued to serve the Manchester Police Department as a part time officer until 2017.
Gilson’s family (including daughter and current Officer Jennifer Gilson), retired Manchester Police Department members, current Police Department officers, Ann Harrison of the Select Board, Town Administrator Greg Federspiel and Town Hall staff were on hand to mark the historical occasion.
