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Winthrop Public Health Department Issues Warning for Marijuana Laced with Fentanyl

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Winthrop Public Health Department Issues Warning for Marijuana Laced with Fentanyl

WINTHROP — Public Health Director Meredith Hurley would like to issue a warning for marijuana laced with fentanyl.

The Connecticut State Lab recently confirmed the presence of fentanyl in a marijuana sample after numerous people who reported only using marijuana overdosed. 

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid typically used to treat severe pain. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fentanyl is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, and has been linked to overdoses and death.

“Fentanyl is often disguised with other drugs, and people may not know that they are consuming it,” Director Hurley said. “With the recent discovery of marijuana laced with fentanyl in Connecticut, it is more important than ever to be vigilant and to know the signs of an overdose. Remember, always dial 911 in the event of an overdose.”

The Winthrop Public Health Department wishes to share the following symptoms, which may be signs of an overdose:

  • Small, constricted pupils
  • Falling asleep or loss of consciousness
  • Slow, shallow breathing
  • Choking or gurgling sounds
  • A limp body
  • Pale, blue or cold skin

If residents notice someone that they believe is experiencing an overdose, they should immediately dial 911 and administer Narcan if available. Narcan, otherwise known as Naloxone, is an opioid antagonist that can reverse the effects of a potentially fatal overdose by displacing the drug from the receptors in the brain. Narcan is available for purchase without a prescription at most pharmacies, and health insurance can be used to offset the cost.

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Town of Winthrop Provides Update on Nor’Easter Impacts

jgprstaff Emergency Management
Town of Winthrop Provides Update on Nor’Easter Impacts

The Town of Winthrop has been advised by National Grid that approximately 900 of the 1,000 customers who had been without power in town have had their service restored. Service was initially interrupted at approximately 5:15 a.m., and was restored around 9:30 a.m. National Grid has reported that it expect power to be restored to remaining homes by 1 p.m.

Schools, which had initially been delayed two hours, are closed today as a result of the overnight storm due to downed trees and wires.

Residents are advised to use caution when driving or walking along town roads, and motorists are strongly urged to avoid driving through any standing water.

As of noon, River Road from Bowdoin Street to Cross Street remains closed due to a damaged utility pole.

Scott Wiley Sworn in as Acting Chief of Winthrop Fire Department

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Scott Wiley Sworn in as Acting Chief of Winthrop Fire Department

WINTHROP — Interim Town Manager Terence Delehanty and the Winthrop Fire Department are pleased to announce that Capt. Scott Wiley has been selected to serve as acting Fire Chief. 

Acting Chief Wiley was sworn in on Thursday, Oct. 5. He is taking over for Chief Paul Flanagan, who retired on Sept. 30 following 43 years of dedicated service to the Winthrop community.

“I am proud to be serving the community in this new capacity. I have worked for the town for 30 years, alongside a team of highly trained professionals who are committed to protecting and serving Winthrop residents,” Acting Chief Wiley said. “I am confident that my experience and training have prepared me to lead the department going forward.”

Acting Chief Wiley began his career in the Winthrop Fire Department in 1991 as a firefighter. He was promoted to lieutenant in 2008 and captain in 2012. He was promoted to administrative officer in 2017.

“The town is so grateful for Acting Chief Wiley’s willingness to embrace this new role,” said Chief Delehanty. “He brings a wealth of knowledge and decades of experience to this position. Along with that, he is highly respected by his peers, and I know that he will continue to be an asset to the department.”

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Town of Winthrop Invites Community Members to Farewell Barbecue for Longtime Fire Chief Paul Flanagan

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Town of Winthrop Invites Community Members to Farewell Barbecue for Longtime Fire Chief Paul Flanagan

WINTHROP — The Town of Winthrop wishes to invite community members to bid farewell to longtime Fire Chief Paul Flanagan at a barbecue in honor of his retirement on Thursday.

WHEN:

Thursday, Sept. 30, noon to 2 p.m.

WHERE:

Town Hall Green, 1 Metcalf Square

WHAT:

Friends and residents are invited to a community barbecue to celebrate Chief Flanagan’s 43-year career in fire service. 

Chief Flanagan will officially conclude his tenure on Thursday, Sept. 30. He began his career with the Winthrop Fire Department in 1978 as a firefighter. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 1986 and Captain in 1988. He has served as Chief since 2008.

Chief Flanagan’s grandfather, father and brother also served the Winthrop Fire Department. His grandfather served as a Lieutenant, his father as Chief and his brother as Captain. For 118 consecutive years, the family has collectively dedicated 162 years of service to the town.

“Serving as Winthrop’s Fire Chief has been the honor of my lifetime. I leave this office confident that I approached every shift and every day as Chief with the same values that defined my family’s service to both the town and the department,” said Chief Flanagan. “I would like to thank the hundreds of firefighters that I have had the honor of serving with. I have benefited from working for some of the finest officers to ever wear the uniform and have been given the privilege of leading some of the most dedicated, tough and compassionate firefighters in our business for at least some part of each of the past five decades.”

During his tenure as Chief, he spearheaded numerous advancements, including standardizing the department’s engines and helping raise more than $75,000 to install new windows in the stations.

“As Chief, Paul came in every day with the mission to serve and protect the residents of our town. He has truly made our town a better and safer place,” said Town Council President Philip Boncore. “Not only should he be proud of his accomplishments, but also of the accomplishments of his family, who dedicated their lives to service, too. I thank him for his many years of work to make our community safer and stronger. I hope that the community joins us in wishing him the very best in his retirement this Thursday.”

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Winthrop Police Department to Offer Youth Open Recreation Program

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Winthrop Police Department to Offer Youth Open Recreation Program

WINTHROP — Chief Terence M. Delehanty is pleased to announce that the Winthrop Police Department is offering a youth open recreation program in partnership with Community Action for Safe Alternatives, and students are encouraged to attend.

This free program is open any student in sixth, seventh or eighth grade who lives in Winthrop. Open recreation will be held every Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. through the fall and winter starting Sept. 17, at Old Winthrop Middle School, 151 Pauline St.

The program is designed to establish positive relationships between the Winthrop Police and the youth in a fun and friendly environment. Different activities are held each week. No sign-up is required.

“This program allows our officers to forge connections with young members of the community through activities that both groups enjoy,” said Chief Delehanty. “If students are interested, we encourage them to simply show up to join in on the fun.”

Funding for this program is provided by the Sen. Charles E. Shannon Grant. The Shannon Community Safety Initiative is a multi-pronged approach to prevent and reduce gang and youth violence.

For more information, please contact Lt. Stephen Rogers by emailing srogers@town.winthrop.ma.us or calling 617-846-1212, ext. 2940.

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Registration Open for Winthrop Police Department’s Civilian Police Academy

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Registration Open for Winthrop Police Department’s Civilian Police Academy

WINTHROP — Chief Terence M. Delehanty is pleased to announce that residents can now sign up for the Winthrop Police Department’s Civilian Police Academy this fall.

This free program is open to Winthrop residents age 18 and up. Classes will be held on Thursdays from Oct. 14 through Dec. 30, from 6:30-9 p.m. at the Winthrop Police Department. Classes will not be held the week of Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Various members of the Winthrop Police Department will lead classes in their fields of expertise during the 10 classes. Topics will include domestic violence, police exploring, motor vehicle law, patrol procedures, accidents, firearms, critical incidents, implicit bias, gangs, juveniles, as well as narcotics enforcement, prevention and treatment. Participants will have the opportunity to attend a ride-along with a Winthrop Police officer.

“The goal of this class is to bring community members into the station and give them a clear picture of what it’s like to be a police officer, and we encourage all those with an interest in law enforcement to apply,” said Chief Delehanty. “Participants will learn a great deal about all aspects of police work and leave with a true representation of life as an officer.”

Residents are asked to drop off or mail a completed application to the Winthrop Police Department, 3 Metcalf Square. Mailed applications should be addressed to the care of Lt. Stephen Rogers. For those who prefer to complete the application virtually, please click here.

Residents will be notified by email if they have been accepted into the class. The class is limited to 20 participants.

The Winthrop Police Department will conduct a background check on applicants to determine their acceptance into the academy.

For more information, please contact Lt. Rogers by emailing srogers@town.winthrop.ma.us or calling 617-846-1212 extension 2940.

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Winthrop Police Participate in Fair and Impartial Policing Training

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Winthrop Police Participate in Fair and Impartial Policing Training

WINTHROP — Chief Terence Delehanty is pleased to share that the Winthrop Police Department participated in a training hosted by the Fair and Impartial Policing organization this week.

Fair and Impartial Policing (FIP) provides implicit-bias-awareness training to agencies of all types and sizes, including local, state, county and university agencies. Members of the department, including Chief Delehanty and the command staff, as well as members of the community, took part during in-person sessions at the Winthrop Yacht Club. 

Unlike traditional “racial profiling” training, FIP applies decades of research on human bias to the critical decisions police officers make every day. The course delves into how the human mind works, and explores how implicit bias can impact otherwise well-intentioned people beyond what even they can perceive. 

Retired Chief Noble Wray facilitated the program. Wray worked for the Madison Police Department in Madison, Wisconsin for nearly 30 years and retired in 2013 after nine years as Chief.

“It’s extremely encouraging to see a police department the size of Winthrop’s seeking out and dedicating resources to Fair and Impartial Policing,” Wray said. “Many smaller departments feel like they can’t budget for this sort of training, but Chief Delehanty and his team know that the skills and expertise that come from this program are absolutely essential to have as well-rounded law enforcement officers, regardless of the size of the department or community.” 

The program provides participants with the skills they need to reduce or manage implicit biases, in a way that makes them more effective at performing their jobs of enforcing the law and engaging with the community they serve. 

“This educational model is an important part of our department’s commitment to serving our community equitably, fairly and with the highest level of respect,” Chief Delehanty said. “Chief Wray’s expertise in this area is invaluable, and we’re grateful to have the opportunity to learn from him.” 

The training was originally scheduled for March but was postponed until May due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

More information about Fair and Impartial Policing and its training programs can be found here.

 

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Registration Open for 2021 Winthrop Youth Police Academy

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Registration Open for 2021 Winthrop Youth Police Academy

WINTHROP —  Registration is now open for the Winthrop Police Department’s 2021 Youth Police Academy and students are encouraged to sign up.

The program will run from Monday, August 2 to Friday, August 6 and will be held at the Winthrop Police Station. The academy will run daily from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Students are expected to be dropped off no earlier than 8:15 a.m. and are expected to be picked up promptly at 3 p.m. unless otherwise specified. Students are also expected to bring their own lunch for the week.

This one-week class is free of charge and a t-shirt and hat will be provided to student participants. The program is open to Winthrop residents who are students going into grades seven through nine in the Fall of 2021. 

Space is limited to 20 students, so those interested should sign up early. Participants must be able to attend all days that the program runs. 

At the youth academy, students will attend classroom sessions, including lectures, role-plays, and interactive demonstrations by Winthrop police officers. Classroom activities will include learning about motor vehicle laws, CPR and first aid, defensive tactics, applied patrol procedures, K9 demonstrations, drug recognition, courtroom procedures and more. 

Additionally, student participants will engage in a range of physical activities, including morning physical training. 

“This year will mark the department’s third annual youth police academy,” said Chief Delehanty. “We are excited to be able to host our young cadets once again this summer and show them what Winthrop officers do every day to keep our community safe.” 

All participants will be expected to follow public health guidance relating to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic as appropriate during the program.

The Youth Police Academy is an innovative and effective program for the young people in the community. It’s designed to establish a positive relationship between the Winthrop Police and the youth in the community. The Youth Police Academy is funded by the Senator Charles E. Shannon Grant. The Shannon Community Safety Initiative (CSI) is a multi-pronged approach to prevent and reduce gang and youth violence.

The Academy is intended to: 

  • Expose participating youth through hands-on experience to the various duties associated with the Law Enforcement profession
  • Enhance responsible citizenship
  • Provide positive interaction with police officers including application of 21st century policing model
  • Educate young people about the challenges and responsibilities of police work
  • Participate in team-building activities to build confidence

To apply, please download, print and complete an application here or pick up an application in the Winthrop police station lobby. Completed applications can be dropped off at the station or emailed to srogers@town.winthrop.ma.us.

Applications are currently being accepted and those who wish to participate are encouraged to apply soon while seats remain available. The deadline for applications is July 1, unless the class fills up. 

 

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Winthrop Police Participating in One2One Program to Support Fatal Overdose Prevention

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Winthrop Police Participating in One2One Program to Support Fatal Overdose Prevention

WINTHROP —  Chief Terence Delehanty is pleased to share that the Winthrop Police Department is participating in the Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative’s (P.A.A.R.I.) One2One: Engagement to Recovery Initiative. 

Piloted in the spring and summer of 2020, the One2One: Engagement to Recovery initiative empowers police officers and community partners to distribute fentanyl test strip (FTS) kits to those in need, as well as provide referrals to treatment and information about other resources available to those who use drugs and their loved ones. One2One is a pilot-tested, evidence-based, police-led intervention project across Massachusetts and Maine which seeks to increase engagement in substance use related services and supports among people using stimulants and opioids who are at risk of fatal overdose.

The initiative is the result of a partnership between P.A.A.R.I. and Brandeis University, and Winthrop Police joined departments from Maine and Massachusetts to begin the program on Friday, Feb. 26. 

“Our department is committed to doing everything we can to prevent overdoses and help those struggling with drug use, as well as their loved ones, to ensure those who need help are connected to the resources and supports available in our community,” Chief Delehanty said. “This program is a tremendous asset as we continue to work to combat the opioid epidemic, and we’re deeply appreciative of the guidance, education and materials P.A.A.R.I. is connecting us to through this effort.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2019 more than 36,000 people died from overdoses including synthetic opioids.

Nearly half of all drug overdose deaths in the U.S are associated with illicitly manufactured fentanyl, which is now used alone and found in heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and counterfeit opioid pills. New England is particularly hard-hit by illicit fentanyl, which is highly potent and thus prone to cause accidental overdose. Research has shown that FTS is a feasible, useful tool linked to increased self-efficacy and important safety and drug use behavior changes.

Through the One2One program, P.A.A.R.I. will provide training for officers and community partners on how to distribute the FTS kits as well as the kits themselves. P.A.A.R.I. will also provide training on how to offer referrals, share information about relevant services, and provide other selected tools to kit recipients.

The Winthrop Police Department is also directly involved in the Winthrop multidisciplinary C.L.E.A.R. Team formed in 2014 to reduce and prevent overdoses in the community. The team continues to evolve and is currently comprised of public safety and public health personnel who use police data to find and help people struggling with mental health, substance use and domestic violence challenges.

If you or a loved one is in need of assistance, or if you’d like to request a kit with three fentanyl test strips, which can be mailed, dropped off, or picked up at the station, please contact Lt. Sarko Gergerian at 617.846.1852 X 1062 and/ or sgergerian@town.winthrop.ma.us. 

Members of the community are also reminded to always call 911 in an emergency. 

For information about the One2One program, visit paariusa.org/one2one.

About P.A.A.R.I.

The Police Assisted Addiction & Recovery Initiative (P.A.A.R.I.) is a nonprofit organization with a mission to help law enforcement agencies nationwide create non-arrest pathways to treatment and recovery. Founded alongside the groundbreaking Gloucester, Mass. Police Department Angel Initiative in June 2015, P.A.A.R.I. has been a driving force behind this rapidly expanding community policing movement. P.A.A.R.I. provides technical assistance, coaching, grants, and other capacity-building resources to more than 600 police departments in 35 states. P.A.A.R.I. currently works with more than 130 law enforcement agencies in Massachusetts alone. P.A.A.R.I. and our law enforcement partners are working towards a collective vision where non-arrest diversion programs become a standard policing practice across the country, thereby reducing overdose deaths, expanding access to treatment, improving public safety, reducing crime, diverting people away from the criminal justice system, and increasing trust between law enforcement and their communities. P.A.A.R.I.’s programs and partners have saved thousands of lives, changed police culture, reshaped the national conversation about the opioid epidemic and have placed over 24,000 people into treatment since its founding in June 2015. Learn more at paariusa.org.

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Winthrop Police Arrest Boston Man Following Drug Investigation

jgprstaff Police
Winthrop Police Arrest Boston Man Following Drug Investigation

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Chief Terence Delehanty reports the Winthrop Police Department arrested a Boston man on drug and firearm charges following an extensive drug investigation.

JOSEPH PACI JR., AGE 45 OF BOSTON, was arrested and charged with:

  • Trafficking in 10 grams or more of Fentanyl 
  • Possession of a Class B Substance (Methadone) with Intent to Distribute (Subsequent Offense)
  • Possession of a Class D Substance (Marijuana) with Intent to Distribute (Subsequent Offense)
  • Possession of a Class C Substance (Steroids)
  • Carrying a Dangerous Weapon
  • Possession of a Sawed-Off Shotgun
  • Felon in Possession of a Firearm
  • Firearm Violation with Three Prior Violent/Drug Crimes
  • Improper Storage of a Firearm
  • Unlawful Possession of Ammunition
  • Possession of a Firearm Without a License

On Wednesday, Feb. 24 just before noon, members of the Winthrop Police Department assisted by the Boston Police Narcotics Unit arrested PACI while executing a search warrant at his apartment on Webster Avenue in East Boston. Winthrop Police began their investigation several months ago after they received information that PACI was allegedly selling fentanyl in the Town of Winthrop.

During a subsequent search of his residence, police found several clear plastic bags of suspected fentanyl, glass vials of suspected steroids, pills believed to be methadone, approximately half a pound of suspected marijuana, a 20-gauge sawed-off shotgun, ammunition, approximately $3,900 in cash and other items related to the sale of narcotics.

Police also obtained a search warrant to seize PACI’s gray 2010 Hyundai Sonata, where police found a double-edged knife and sheath. 

PACI is currently being held on $25,000 bail and is scheduled to appear in the East Boston District Court on March 23 for a probable cause hearing.

These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.