LITTLETON — After a 32‑year career in law enforcement, Littleton Police Chief Matthew Pinard is preparing to turn in his badge.
The department announced on Thursday that Pinard will officially retire on May 1, ending more than two decades with the Littleton Police, including nearly eight years as chief.
“I am proud of everything that has been accomplished at the Littleton Police Department during my tenure here, but everything that we have accomplished was accomplished as a team,” Pinard said in a press release making the announcement. “I am grateful to the community leaders of Littleton for supporting law enforcement, and I am grateful to the sworn officers whose dedication to this community is second to none.
“To those who remain in law enforcement,” he added, “please keep fighting the good fight. You’re doing the right thing.”
Pinard began his career in 1993 as a reserve officer for his hometown police department in Ayer while attending the police academy.
After graduating, he served as a full‑time patrol officer in both Ayer and Townsend before joining the Littleton Police Department in 2002.
Over the next 16 years, he advanced from patrol officer to detective to sergeant, ultimately being selected to replace the late Chief Matthew King on June 27, 2018. King passed away in July 2023 at the age of 63 after a battle with cancer.
During Pinard’s time as chief, the department expanded from 18 to 24 officers and adopted a range of new tools and practices.
Under his leadership, Littleton Police implemented body‑worn cameras, partnered with a co‑responding mental health clinician, introduced its first comfort dog, and upgraded its 911 system to a modern, video‑capable platform.
The School Resource Officer program — where Pinard once served as the department’s first SRO — grew to include two officers as the department increased its focus on school safety and youth engagement.
A longtime motorcycle enthusiast, Pinard also served as control chief of the Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council Motorcycle Unit, leading a regional team of motorcycle officers.
According to the release, Pinard prioritized community policing, police legitimacy, restorative justice, and alternative approaches to serving residents affected by substance use disorders and mental illness.
Reflecting on the evolution of policing during his years in law enforcement, Pinard noted the profession’s shift toward more rigorous training and preparedness, and greater attention to officer wellness and mental health.
“We used to qualify with a firearm once a year, but now we’re qualifying three or four times a year, attending active shooter drills, training up our interview techniques, and attending numerous other trainings to ensure our officers are skilled and professional,” Pinard said in the release.
Pinard credited his wife, Laura, and his family for supporting him throughout his career.
Follow Aaron Curtis on X @aselahcurtis, or on Bluesky @aaronscurtis.bsky.social.
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