The Methuen Police Department held its annual memorial service May 15, which is designated as National Peace Officers Memorial Day. National Police Week was observed May 10-16.

PD members gathered in Sanborn Hall for a service honoring their officers who have passed.

Chief Scott McNamara and Capt. James Moore opened the service by honoring departed members. Retired Officer Donald Privitera read the names of those who have passed, including Methuen’s K9s. The Rev. Nathaniel Burns offered his blessing to the department. A memorial wreath was placed at the front of the room by Lt. Joseph Rynne and Officer Mark Aiello.

Then, three officers who recently retired were presented with plaques and citations from the city and state.

*Lt. James Gunter, a U.S. Army veteran, retired May 14. Throughout his career, he served with excellence in patrol, drug unit, field training, community policing, honor guard and reginal response team. The role Gunter values the most is the one he held as the department’s Peer Support Leader, caring for the mental health and well being of his fellow officers, it was stated. A two-time (2002, 2021) recipient of the Methuen Exchange Club’s Officer of the Year, he leaves behind a legacy of leadership and compassion.

*Sgt. Derek Licata dedicated nearly four decades of distinguished service to MPD. He started in 1988 as a Police Explorer and rose through the ranks serving as an Auxiliary Reserve Officer and patrolman. During his career, he took on a wide range of critical roles including field training officer, school resource officer, training coordinator, social media specialist, firearms instructor, public information officer, department photographer, honor guard and accreditation team leader. Promoted to sergeant in 2022, he continued his leadership until his retirement in September 2025. He continues his service beyond the badge as an instructor at Northern Essex Community College as an adjunct professor in law enforcement.

*Officer Aaron Little officially retired Dec. 27, 2025 after 30 years of dedicated service to the MPD. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, he brought discipline and commitment to every role he filled, it was stated. He served with distinction in patrol, the Drug and Gang Unit (where he was partners with Lt. Gunter), the NEMLEC Regional Response Team, Marine Unit, Motorcycle Unit, and Community Policing. For many years he proudly served as a K9 handler alongside his K9 partners Ian and Reiko.

Officer Little created and personally curated MPD’s historical collection, preserving the stories and legacy of those who served before him. He was awarded the Exchange Club’s Officer of the Year in 2002 alongside Lt. Gunter.