Chief Bill Breault Receives 2025 Brian Collins Impact Award for Mental Health Leadership in Policing

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 3, 2025
Chief Bill Breault Receives 2025 Brian Collins Impact Award for Mental Health Leadership in Policing
Dover, NH - At his retirement celebration, Dover Police Chief William Breault was honored with the 2025 Brian Collins Impact Award by Community Partners for his transformative leadership in mental health advocacy within law enforcement.
The award, established in 2023, honors individuals, families, or organizations in New Hampshire who exemplify the legacy of Brian Collins who was a longtime advocate for people with mental illness, developmental disabilities, and aging-related challenges. Recipients are recognized for advancing dignity, inclusion, and innovation in human services.
Chief Breault, nominated by NAMI NH and the Dover Mental Health Alliance, led Dover to become the first police department in the state to train every officer in Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) practices. He also pioneered the integration of social work into the department, expanded mental health education, and established peer support programs for first responders.
“Chief Breault changed policies and culture,” said Christopher Kozak. “He showed that policing can be rooted in empathy, dignity, and connection.”
Suzanne Weete of the Dover Mental Health Alliance and Community Partners added, “His legacy is one of innovation and hope.”
Susan Stearns, NAMI NH Executive Director, remarked at the Community Partners Annual Meeting, “Chief Breault’s commitment to ensure that Dover PD officers are not only trained to help others but also have the support they need for their own mental health is something that Brian would surely smile upon.  We are grateful to have worked alongside the Chief and the Dover PD to bring Crisis Intervention Team training to this community, and for their leadership in ensuring other local police departments have this resource.”
Chief Breault’s work has strengthened community trust and set a statewide standard for mental health-informed policing, making him a fitting recipient of the Brian Collins Impact Award.
Chief Breault remarked, “this award is especially meaningful because I knew and worked with Brian, who was a great man.”