Hillman's father was a World War II veteran and his mother stayed at home to take care of her four children, of which Reed was the oldest.

Among Hillman's accomplishments as superintendent were the creation of the state police affirmative action program and the construction of new statewide crime labs.

His most passionate issues were those of public safety, including his support for the Amber Alert, expanding the State Police DNA database, and tougher drunk driving legislation.

He declined to seek re-election to the seat in 2004, and was succeeded by Palmer Board of Selectmen Chairman Todd M. Smola, a fellow Republican and Hillman's former aide.

The pair lost to Deval Patrick and Tim Murray in the general election in November by a wide margin.