Police

Winthrop Police Announce Parking Ban and Closure of Flood Gates at Short Beach Ahead of Expected Winter Storm

jgprstaff Fire, Police, Uncategorized
Winthrop Police Announce Parking Ban and Closure of Flood Gates at Short Beach Ahead of Expected Winter Storm

WINTHROP — Chief Terence M. Delehanty and the Winthrop Police Department wish to share important information ahead of this weekend’s expected storm.

At this time, the National Weather Service has issued a Blizzard Warning for Suffolk County, including the Town of Winthrop, for Saturday, Jan. 29. Snow accumulations of as many as 18-24 inches are possible, with wind gusts potentially approaching 60 miles per hour. Motorists are urged to stay off the roads and avoid travel if possible.

Residents are advised that a parking ban will be in effect from Friday, Jan. 28, at 10 p.m. until further notice due to the predicted storm. According to a town ordinance in effect until May 1, all motor vehicles must be removed from town streets upon the announcement of an expected or impending snowstorm. Vehicles that are found to be in violation of the parking ban may be towed and the vehicle owner could receive a ticket. 

For a map showing where parking is allowed during the snow emergency, please click here. Note that due to construction, the Hagman Road Lot will not be available for winter parking.

Residents also should know that the Short Beach flood gates on Winthrop Parkway in Revere will be closed beginning Saturday, Jan. 29 at midnight. Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes.

For information about the response along Winthrop Parkway, please visit the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s website here.

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Winthrop Police Department Shares Package Theft Prevention Tips During Holiday Season

jgprstaff Police
Winthrop Police Department Shares Package Theft Prevention Tips During Holiday Season

WINTHROP — With the holiday season underway and more people shopping for gifts, Chief Terence M. Delehanty and the Winthrop Police Department would like to provide tips to prevent theft for residents expecting package deliveries in the coming weeks.

According to the National Neighborhood Watch, nearly one in four adults in the United States has reported having a package stolen at least once.

The Winthrop Police Department wishes to share the following tips from the National Neighborhood Watch to help prevent package theft:

  • Consider getting a P.O. box at your local post office or having packages delivered to your office
  • Set up notifications to track your packages
  • Install a security camera in the area(s) outside your home where packages may be delivered
  • Require a signature upon delivery to ensure packages are never left unattended
  • Reschedule delivery or ask for a package hold when on vacation
  • Research potential home security technology and locking device options to protect and monitor packages
  • Ask your neighbors to grab your packages for safekeeping until you return home
  • Sign up for the USPS “Informed Delivery” service, where you can get a daily email with a picture/scan of the mail you will receive that day. To sign up, click here.

If you believe you have fallen victim to package theft, you should do the following:

  • Confirm with your delivery company that your package was actually delivered
  • Identify which package was stolen and what the contents of that package were
  • Contact the police immediately and report your package as stolen
  • If you have a security camera on your home, give a copy of the video to police
  • Report the package theft to the applicable carrier:

Should you happen to witness package theft, do not approach the suspect. Instead, pay attention to what their vehicle looks like and its license plate number. If possible, get a physical description of the suspect to share with the police.

Residents should note that around the holidays mail carriers such as Amazon and FedEx contract independent carriers to help deliver items during the peak season. These independent carriers typically drive their own vehicles that have no affiliation markers. Residents should be mindful of these individuals who are oftentimes mistaken as thieves when dropping off packages on behalf of carriers or delivery companies. As always, though, if you see suspicious activity in your neighborhood report it to the police immediately.

Chief Delehanty would also like to offer tips to holiday shoppers on how to avoid any incidents or theft while shopping in stores and online:

  • As more people are on the road during the holiday season, be sure to drive carefully. Be patient when looking for a parking space. Do not speed up in a parking lot to catch an empty spot. Look for other cars or people when backing out of a parking space, and back out slowly.
  • Keep shopping bags out of plain sight in your vehicle, preferably in your trunk.
  • Keep your purse close to your body or your wallet in an inside coat pocket or front pants pocket.
  • Save your receipts and monitor your credit card activity.
  • When shopping online, stick to retailers you know or have shopped with before.
  • Do not use public Wi-Fi to make purchases in order to prevent hackers from intercepting your information.

 

The men and women of the Winthrop Police Department wish everyone a safe and healthy holiday season!

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Winthrop Police Department to Offer Youth Open Recreation Program

jgprstaff Police
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

jgprstaff Police
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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Town of Winthrop Offers Safety Tips, Encourages Residents to Stay Alert as Tropical Storm Henri Tracks Toward New England

Tom Zuppa Emergency Management, Fire, Police
Town of Winthrop Offers Safety Tips, Encourages Residents to Stay Alert as Tropical Storm Henri Tracks Toward New England

The Town of Winthrop is recommending that residents stay alert and prepare to take the necessary safety precautions as Tropical Storm Henri is expected to track toward in New England in the coming days.

Town officials are receiving briefings as the situation is updated, and are staying current on storm tracks and forecasts to ensure staffing is in place to deal with any emergency that arises.

According to the National Hurricane Center, as of 11:30 a.m., Tropical Storm Henri is moving west-northwest over the western Atlantic and is about 770 miles south-southwest of Nantucket.

The center of Henri is expected to remain offshore of the East Coast during the next couple of days, but is forecast to track near Cape Cod and the Islands or just offshore Sunday into Monday.

Henri is forecast to intensify into a hurricane on Friday with additional strengthening predicted to occur this weekend. There is a potential for tropical storm or lower-end hurricane force winds along with rough seas. Swells from Henri are expected to reach the East Coast on Friday and continue through the weekend. These swells could cause life-threatening surf and rip currents.

There is a Hurricane Watch in effect for parts of Rhode Island, and a Storm Surge Watch for parts of the South Shore of Massachusetts. However, the exact path and strength of the storm when it gets closer to New England are still uncertain and residents are urged to stay alert and monitor the local forecast.

Stay informed by receiving alerts, warnings, and public safety information before, during and after emergencies.

Safety precautions residents should follow to prepare for a hurricane or tropical storm include:

  • Don’t go out during a hurricane or tropical storm, if possible.
  • Check flashlights and portable radios to confirm they’re working. Fully charge your cell phone, laptop and any other devices before the storm.
  • Check the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
  • If you own a car, making sure its gas tank is at least half full in the event you need to travel. Purchase a car phone charger so that you can charge your device if you lose power at your home.
  • Ensure that you have an emergency kit that has basic medicine and bandages. Include disinfectants, hand sanitizer and other cleaning supplies that you may need in an emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Have an emergency food supply in case of a power outage. People should have supplies to sustain their families for at least 72 hours.
  • Set your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings (remember to reset them back to normal once power is restored). During an outage, minimize the number of times you open the refrigerator or freezer door.
  • Prepare your home by securing or bringing in outdoor objects (patio furniture, children’s toys, trash cans, etc.) that could be swept away or damaged during strong winds or flooding. Also, elevate items in your basement in case of flooding, check your sump pump, unplug sensitive electronic equipment, park vehicles in areas that are unlikely to flood and remove boats from the water.
  • Bring in boats from moorings or add extra lines to secure them. The Harbormaster will not be responding to boats off of mooring until the storm weakens and it is safe for the crews to respond.
  • MEMA recommends purchasing a generator to maintain electricity in an outage. NEVER run a generator indoors, in a garage or with the exhaust facing the home or home air intakes.
  • Pack a bag with important items in case you need to evacuate. Don’t forget to include needed medications and any valuable personal belongings.
  • Be a good neighbor. Check on family, friends, and neighbors, especially the elderly, those who live alone, those with medical conditions and those who may need additional assistance.
  • In the event of a hurricane, residents are also encouraged to know if they live or work in a hurricane evacuation zone, develop a family emergency plan and create an emergency kit.

Residents are also encouraged to follow tips provided by the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) in the event of flooding:

  • Don’t attempt to drive through large puddles or on flooded roads, which could threaten your safety. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and 2 feet of water can sweep your vehicle away.
  • If there is a chance of flash flooding, move immediately to higher ground. Flash floods are the number one cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S.
  • If floodwaters rise around your car and the water is not moving, abandon the car and move to higher ground. Do not leave the car and enter moving water.
  • Avoid camping or parking along streams, rivers and creeks during heavy rainfall. These areas can flood quickly and with little warning.

After a storm passes through the area, residents should remain cautious. Heavy rain and strong winds can cause a multitude of problems like power outages, fallen debris and floods that often block roads and emergency vehicles, prolonging damage.

  • Call 9-1-1 to report emergencies, including downed power lines and gas leaks.
  • Stay away from downed utility wires. Always assume a downed power line is live.
  • If your power is out, follow MEMA’s power outage safety tips. Report power outages to your utility company. Do not call 9-1-1 to report an outage or to ask about power restoration. 

Additional tropical storm and hurricane safety tips offered by MEMA can be found here.

June 1 marked the official start of the Atlantic Hurricane Season, which runs through Nov. 30. Historically, most hurricanes and tropical storms that hit New England occur during August and September.

Winthrop Police Arrest East Boston Driver Following Fatal Crash

Tom Zuppa Police
Winthrop Police Arrest East Boston Driver Following Fatal Crash

Chief Terence M. Delehanty reports that the Winthrop Police Department has charged a driver from East Boston following a fatal accident that occurred on Friday afternoon.

KENNETH THOMPSON, AGE 84, of EAST BOSTON, has been charged with:

  • Motor Vehicle Homicide, Operating Under the Influence of Alcohol
  • Failure to Stop/Yield

Winthrop public safety dispatchers received multiple 9-1-1 calls on Friday, Aug. 13, at 3:26 p.m. regarding a two-car accident at the intersection of Hagman Road and Walden Street. First responders from the Winthrop Police Department, Winthrop Fire Department EMS, and Action Ambulance arriving at the scene discovered that the female operator of a Jeep involved in the accident had been critically injured.

First responders performed lifesaving measures on the driver. She was taken by ambulance to Massachusetts General Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.

A preliminary investigation by Winthrop Police suggests that a Hyundai Elantra traveling northbound on Hagman Road, learned to be operated by THOMPSON, collided with the Jeep, traveling on Pauline Street toward Woodside Avenue, at the intersection of Pauline Street, Hagman Road and Walden Street.

The accident continues to be under investigation by the Winthrop Police Department, the State Police Accident Reconstruction Team, and detectives assigned to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.

These are allegations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty.

(UPDATE #8: 6/30/21 5:20 p.m.) Town of Winthrop Issues Security Reminder for Thursday’s Vigil

Leah Comins Police
(UPDATE #8: 6/30/21 5:20 p.m.) Town of Winthrop Issues Security Reminder for Thursday’s Vigil

WINTHROP – Terence Delehanty, Winthrop Police Chief who also serves as the community’s interim Town Manager wishes to provide an update regarding security precautions at Thursday’s candlelight vigil, which follows the shocking and hateful murders that occurred in the community last weekend.

“The Winthrop Police Department is treating the security of this vigil and the safety of mourners and attendees with upmost care and consideration. We have brought in the vast and exceptional mutual aid resources at our disposal and are in constant communication with the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office and the Massachusetts State Police,” Chief Delehanty said. “As we are expecting relatives of both murder victims to attend and speak, it is our aim to provide a proper, safe and solemn platform on which to grieve and remember the lives lost.”

There will be a significant police presence, and security will be a top priority to ensure a safe and secure vigil. Absolutely no backpacks, handbags, coolers or bags of any kind will be permitted. While there have not been specific threats received against the vigil, the Winthrop Police Department and its public safety partners are taking all precautions.

Mutual aid resources including NEMLEC member agencies, State Police and Boston Police will be assisting Winthrop Police. The department has also been in communication with federal law enforcement agencies.

The vigil will have a limited speaking program at the request of the victims’ families. The Town of Winthrop wishes to provide a proper forum for these families to remember and mourn their loved ones, and the vigil has been planned with significant input from the families.

Members of the area’s inter-faith religious community will lead and introduce the vigil program.

Town offices and the Winthrop Public Library will close at 4 p.m. on Thursday to prepare for the service.

Representatives from a multitude of support services, including the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, religious organizations, the Winthrop Public Health Crisis Intervention Team, the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center and the Boston Public Health Commission, will be present to assist residents who may be experiencing emotional responses, as well as provide support and resources for dealing with trauma.

School adjustment counselors and other school representatives also will be present at the vigil. The Winthrop Public Health Department will be on-site and available in the Harvey Hearing Room on the ground floor of Town Hall to connect with residents in need of support or counseling services.

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(Update #7: 6/29/21 6:30 p.m.) *Media Advisory* Town of Winthrop to Host Candlelight Vigil Thursday

John Guilfoil Police
(Update #7: 6/29/21 6:30 p.m.) *Media Advisory* Town of Winthrop to Host Candlelight Vigil Thursday

*MEDIA STAGING*

Members of the news media covering the event may park on Winthrop Street near the lawn, and should stage in front of the entrance to the library.

WINTHROP – The Town of Winthrop and the Winthrop Commission on Diversity, Inclusion and Community Engagement wishes to share plans for a candlelight vigil this week to honor and recognize the victims of this past weekend’s tragic shooting.

WHO 

  • Interim Town Manager and Police Chief Terence Delehanty
  • Andrea Baez, Chairperson of the Winthrop Commission of Diversity, Inclusion and Community Relations
  • Senator Joseph Boncore
  • Rep. Jeff Turco
  • Town Council President Philip Boncore and Council members
  • Suffolk County District Attorney Rachel Rollins
  • Robert Trestan, Executive Director of the Anti-Defamation League of New England
  • The Winthrop Public Health Department

WHEN

Thursday, July 1, at 7 p.m.

WHERE

The lawn in front of Town Hall, 1 Metcalf Square

WHAT

A candlelight vigil will be held Thursday at 7 p.m. on the Winthrop Town Hall lawn, 1 Metcalf Square, to honor and recognize the victims of Saturday’s tragedy. The vigil is being hosted by the Winthrop Commission for Diversity, Inclusion and Community Engagement.

Road closures will be in effect in the area of Metcalf Square. Residents are encouraged to walk to the vigil if possible due to limited parking availability. Additionally, residents are encouraged not to bring chairs, coolers or backpacks. Candles will be provided to attendees on a first-come first-serve basis. Residents are welcome to bring their own candles as well.

Town offices and the Winthrop Public Library will close at 4 p.m.

Representatives from a multitude of support services, including the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, religious organizations, the Winthrop Public Health Crisis Intervention Team, the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center and the Boston Public Health Commission, will be present to assist residents who may be experiencing emotional responses, as well as provide support and resources for dealing with trauma.

School adjustment counselors and other school representatives also will be present at the vigil. The Winthrop Public Health Department will be on-site and available in the Harvey Hearing Room on the ground floor of Town Hall to connect with residents in need of support or counseling services.

The town is also planning to hold a community-wide meeting next week to discuss dealing with trauma and various stressors that may trigger emotional responses, and what to look for in friends and family who may need additional support following a tragedy. Details regarding this meeting will be released as they become available.

Additionally, the Public Health Department will hold a Neighborhood Drop-In meeting Wednesday evening, June 30, at the Winthrop Senior Center, 35 Harvard St., from 7-8:30 p.m.

Behavioral health support resources will be available for residents.

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(Update #6: 6/28/21 7:45 p.m.) Winthrop Officials Share Plans Regarding Available Trauma Resources and Support Following Shooting

John Guilfoil Police

WINTHROP – Interim Town Manager and Police Chief Terence Delehanty, Winthrop Public Schools Superintendent Lisa Howard and Public Health Director Meredith Hurley would like to share plans for several trauma-informed services that will be provided to community members following Saturday’s critical incident.

“We know that this horrific and hateful incident has affected many of our community members and everyone will process this grief and trauma in a different way and at a different pace,” Chief Delehanty said. “Processing and healing following this tragedy will take time and the Town of Winthrop is committed to making available services and resources to support community members of all ages in the coming days and weeks.”

Chief Delehanty has also reached out to the Anti-Defamation League of New England following this incident.

Tuesday, June 29:

The Winthrop Public Health Department’s Crisis Intervention Team, which includes a licensed clinical social worker and a Winthrop Police outreach officer, will be canvassing the neighborhood where Saturday’s incident occurred to check in and talk with residents. The team will also be providing flyers and cards to community members that will include information about available community and online resources.

Additionally on Tuesday, the school department will be conducting outreach. The schools will reach out to any impacted families and staff to offer support and make them aware of the resources that are available to them. The school department will also attend the Neighborhood Drop In meeting referenced below, and conduct smaller youth groups sessions as needed.

Wednesday, June 30:

The Public Health Department will hold a Neighborhood Drop In meeting at the Winthrop Senior Center, 35 Harvard St., from 7-8:30 p.m. Behavioral health support resources will be available for residents.

Thursday, July 1:

A candlelight vigil will be held Thursday at 7 p.m. on the Winthrop Town Hall lawn, 1 Metcalf Square to honor and recognize the victims. The vigil is being hosted by the Winthrop Commission for Diversity, Inclusion and Community Engagement.

Representatives from a multitude of support services, including the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, the Winthrop Public Health Crisis Intervention Team, the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center and the Boston Public Health Commission will be present to assist residents who may be experiencing emotional responses, as well as provide support and resources for dealing with trauma. School adjustment counselors and other school representatives will also be present at the vigil.

The town is also planning to hold a community-wide meeting next week to discuss dealing with trauma and various stressors that may trigger emotional responses, and what to look for in friends and family who may need additional support following a tragedy. Details regarding this meeting will be released as they become available.

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Winthrop Police Thank Community Members, Partner Agencies for Support During Saturday’s Critical Incident

Leah Comins Police
Winthrop Police Thank Community Members, Partner Agencies for Support During Saturday’s Critical Incident

WINTHROP — Chief Terence Delehanty offers the following statement thanking the many community members and mutual aid agencies who provided support during Saturday’s critical incident:

“We are very appreciative of the Winthrop community for their support during yesterday’s incident. Many residents and business owners brought food and water for the officers and investigators who were at the scene well into the night, as well as brought refreshments to the station. I would also like to thank the community members in the area of the scene who were cooperative and patient while we investigated for many hours Saturday and Sunday.

“I would like to thank and recognize the Massachusetts State Police, Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, Winthrop Fire Department, Boston Police Department, Revere Police Department, Chelsea Police Department, Transit Police, the Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (NEMLEC) and all of the other agencies who were on standby and had offered to assist throughout the day. We are fortunate to have a sound mutual aid network with many partners we can call on during large-scale, fluid incidents.

“Saturday’s incident demonstrates the fluidity and dynamic nature of the calls officers can respond to on any given day, and I would like to recognize the Winthrop Police sergeant and the other officers who were involved in yesterday’s incident. The sergeant’s heroic actions ended a threat to our community and I am proud to have him as a part of this department.

“Any incident ending in the loss of life is tragic and I would like to express my condolences to the families who lost a loved one yesterday. Retired Trooper David Green, one of the bystanders killed, had a long and commendable career with the Massachusetts State Police and we honor his service. Our thoughts are also with the family of Ramona Cooper who was the other bystander killed. She was a U.S. Air Force veteran and we honor her service to our country.”

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