Former Boston Police Commissioner Kathleen M. O’Toole is shown with current Boston Police Commissioner Willie Gross. Photo by Bill Brett

SEAPORT — 300 guests attended Éire Society of Boston’s dinner at which Kathleen M. O’Toole, former Massachusetts Secretary of Public Safety and Boston Police Commissioner, was recognized as 2019 Gold Medal Award Recipient.

The award was presented at the Gold Medal Dinner and Awards Ceremony, which will take place on Saturday evening, April 27, 2019 at the Seaport Boston Hotel.

The Gold Medal is awarded annually to those who exemplify the best of Irish culture and ideal and have made significant contributions in their field of expertise which benefit society.

Kathy O’Toole is a career police officer and lawyer with an international reputation for principled effective leadership and reform. In 2018, she completed service as chief of police in Seattle where she led a major transformation project, which addressed all requirements of a Settlement Agreement between the US Department of Justice and the City, and introduced to the force leading-edge business practices and operational strategies reducing crime and enhancing community trust.

In 2017, Kathleen chaired the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland. In September 2018, the Commission presented its findings and reform recommendations to the Irish Government. Kathleen previously served as Chief Inspector of the Garda Síochána Inspectorate, an oversight body advising the Irish Minister of Justice and recommending best practices for the 16,000 member Irish national police service.

All photos by Bill Brett