Winthrop Public Safety

Winthrop Community and Law Enforcement Assisted Recovery (CLEAR) Selected to Be 1 of 8 National Mentor Programs

jgprrobert October 12, 2022 Police

Chief Terence M. Delehanty and Health Director Meredith Hurley are pleased to share that the Community and Law Enforcement Assisted Recovery (CLEAR) program was selected by the U.S. Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) to serve as one of eight mentor programs for other peer-to-peer recovery programs across the nation.

The BJA’s Peer Recovery Support Services Mentoring Initiative (PRSSMI) selects top peer-to-peer recovery programs from across the country to serve as examples that can support newer programs and agencies that are interested in starting programs by supporting program-to-program learning among organizations.

CLEAR was born in 2014 as a collaboration between Winthrop public safety agencies and Winthrop Department of Public Health and Clinical Services. The organization has expanded and developed in the years since, and now includes a robust, multidisciplinary team of service providers and helpers who wrap around community members struggling with mental health challenges, substance use issues, domestic violence, housing insecurity, and food scarcity.

Police, firefighters and public health personnel use police data to identify and find those struggling with substance use disorder, mental health issues, and domestic violence challenges and works to provide assistance and wrap-around services to those individuals in an effort to get them into recovery and to support them in the recovery process.

CLEAR, along with programs in California, Montana, Nebraska, Texas, Oklahoma, North Carolina and Alabama were selected as mentor programs this year after a vetting process that included an application and interviews.

Mentor programs will now be singled out to provide examples of best practices to those interested in starting new programs and those with programs in the early stages of development.

“In 2014, 21st Century Policing began in Winthrop, when Public Safety and Public Health partnered to help respond to the overdose crisis. With input from outside the box thinkers and people with lived experience, we developed a recovery-oriented community policing methodology, known as CLEAR, that utilizes police data for targeted interventions into the community to prevent people from ending up in cages and coffins,” said Lt. Sarko Gergerian, a founding member of CLEAR. “The multidisciplinary team of helpers that formed around this core mission work together to circle around any community member who accepts the help. It is an honor to be able to help others from across the United States to begin their own public safety and health partnerships and develop multidisciplinary teams of helpers that value individuals with lived experience.”

“We are pleased that the Bureau of Justice Assistance recognized CLEAR for it’s groundbreaking and effective work to curb the toll drug overdoses and substance use disorder on our community,” said Chief Delehanty. “I hope the hard work of our local organization will help others across the country overcome obstacles, identify best practices, and save lives.”

“CLEAR is doing vital, life-saving work in our community and we could not be more proud that our local effort will now provide an example to others around the country who are working to save lives from the scourges of substance use disorder and the mental health crisis,” said Director Hurley. “Our evidence-based practices and results-focused work continues to save lives locally, and we hope this type of programming will spread across the country.”

For more information on CLEAR, visit: https://winthropclear.com/.

Winthrop Police Department Accepting Applications for Civilian Police Academy

jgprstaff October 6, 2022 Police

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 aged 18 and up. Classes will be held on Thursdays from Nov. 3 through Jan. 19, from 6:30-9 p.m. in the Lyceum Room at the E.B. Newton School Cultural Center, 45 Pauline St. 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.

“Students will leave this class having learned a wide range of topics that are integral to everyday police work,” Chief Delehanty said. “We encourage anyone who is interested in connecting with our officers and learning more about what they do on a daily basis to apply to take part in this class.”

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 ext. 2940.

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Winthrop Police Arrest and Charge Two Men with Trafficking Fentanyl

jgprrobert September 27, 2022 Police

Chief Terence M. Delehanty reports that the Winthrop Police Department arrested and charged two men with trafficking fentanyl.

GABERIAL ARIAS, AGE 30, of SAUGUS, was arrested and charged with:

Trafficking over 100 grams of a Class A Substance
Trafficking Fentanyl (Two Counts)
Distribution of Fentanyl (Two Counts)

PATRICE DEBNAM, AGE 30, of LYNN, was arrested and charged with:

Trafficking over 100 grams of a Class A Substance

On Monday, Sept 26, at approximately 11 a.m., members of the Winthrop Police Department and the Winthrop Criminal Investigative Unit, in collaboration with the Saugus and Everett Police Departments, executed search warrants for the residence, vehicle and person of ARIAS in connection with an ongoing investigation.

Officers located ARIAS at a Gulf Gas station in Winthrop, with another individual who was later identified as DEBNAM, in a white Toyota Corolla operated by DEBNAM.

While conducting a search of ARIAS, officers located over $500, drug paraphernalia and over 36 grams of what was determined to be fentanyl. A search of the vehicle occupied by DEBNAM and ARAIS led to the discovery of over 100 grams of fentanyl in bags in the vehicle’s glove box.

Both men were arrested without incident and taken to the Winthrop Police Station for booking.

Officers also conducted a search warrant on ARIAS’ residence in Saugus, where they located additional drug paraphernalia.

ARIAS was arraigned on Tuesday, Sept. 27 in East Boston District Court, and is being held on $50,000 bail.

DEBNAM was arraigned on Tuesday, Sept. 27 in East Boston District Court and is being held on $5,000 bail.

“I would like to thank Saugus Police and the Everett Police Departments for their assistance in this investigation,” said Chief Delehenty. “I would also like to commend our Criminal Investigative Unit for their work on this case. Fentanyl is an extremely harmful substance and I am proud of our department, as well as our partners for their help in keeping our community safe.”

Winthrop Police Department Charges Woman With Civil Rights Violation

jgprrobert September 19, 2022 Police

Police Chief Terence M. Delehanty and Town Manager Anthony Marino report that the Winthrop Police Department arrested a woman for a Civil Rights Violation after a violent act of hate and vandalism that occurred over the weekend.

ANGELA FOLEY, AGE 43, of WINTHROP, was arrested and charged with:

Civil Rights Violation
Malicious Destruction of Property Over $1,200
Malicious Destruction of Property Under $1,200

On Saturday, Sept. 17 at approximately 6:50 a.m. Winthrop Police Department received reports that a woman, later identified as FOLEY, was yelling racial obscenities and vandalized a resident’s vehicle in the area of Beach Road and Shore Drive.

An on-scene investigation determined that the suspect, FOLEY, smashed several neighbors’ windows, vandalized a motor vehicle and yelled racial obscenities in full view of several neighbors.

FOLEY was located at the scene and arrested.

“The hateful language used by this defendant as she committed several offenses in front of neighbors was inexcusable. Hate speech is not always illegal in our country, but it is always unwelcome in the Town of Winthrop,” said Chief Delehanty. “Incidents like this demand a response, and these types of incidents and hatred are part of the reason the Winthrop Police Department has a dedicated Civil Rights Officer. We must respond to these incidents and make it clear that this kind of hatred is not acceptable to our community.”

“On behalf of the Town of Winthrop, I condemn these acts of hate,” Town Manager Marino said. “I ask all of Winthrop to join me in rejecting hate and doing everything in our power to ensure we are a welcoming, caring community that is not afraid to speak up along with our neighbors in the face of hatred.”

“I would like to join Town Manager Marino and Chief Delehanty in making it abundantly clear that the Town of Winthrop rejects hatred in all of its forms,” said Town Council President James Letterie. “Our thoughts are with those who were targeted by these awful acts, and I pledge the Town of Winthrop will always do everything possible to combat hatred and to offer our hearts and assistance to all who face it.”

FOLEY was held on $500 cash bail over the weekend, and was arraigned Monday in East Boston District Court.

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

Winthrop Health Department Invites Residents to Community Event in Recognition of National Recovery Month

jgprrobert September 13, 2022 Uncategorized

Health Director Meredith Hurley and the Town of Winthrop invite the community to a candlelight procession and community event in recognition of National Recovery Month.

WHEN:

Wednesday, Sept. 21, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

WHERE:

Beginning at Winthrop Town Hall, 1 Metcalf Square, Winthrop, MA, ending at Harold French Square

WHAT:

September is National Recovery Month, which aims to highlight gains in substance use treatment and prevention while also honoring the lives lost to substance use disorder.

Winthrop Public Health and Clinical Services is hosting a community event that will include a candlelight procession from Town Hall to French Square to honor those lost to substance use disorder, followed by an event in French Square with several speakers, educational resources and information provided by local addiction and recovery organizations, food and other refreshments.

There will be several speakers in French Square, and emotional supports will be available in consideration of people who may experience grief while attending.

Organizations that include the Winthrop Community and Law Enforcement Assisted Recovery (CLEAR) team, the Massachusetts Organization of Addiction and Recovery (MOAR) and Community Against Substance Abuse (CASA) will provide information on recovery and treatment resources.

Food and refreshments will be provided by several Winthrop restaurants.

For more information and to view the candlelight walk route, visit: https://winthropclear.com/.

Winthrop Police and Fire Respond After Recycling Truck Crashes Into Utility Pole

jgprstaff August 8, 2022 Fire, Police

WINTHROP 一 Police Chief Terence M. Delehanty and Fire Chief Scott Wiley report that the Winthrop Police and Fire Departments responded after a recycling truck struck a utility pole this afternoon.

On Monday, Aug. 8, at approximately 1 p.m., Winthrop Police and Fire were dispatched to the area of Foam Street for a report of a single-vehicle crash. Upon arrival, first responders found that a recycling truck had backed into a utility pole, causing the power transformer to fall to the ground.

Due to damage to the transformer, there are power outages on Foam Street and on Siren Street up to the Shirley Street intersection.

The Winthrop Fire Department has opened a cooling center for affected residents at the Robert DeLeo Senior Center, 35 Harvard St.

National Grid is at the scene working to restore power. Power is expected to be restored in three hours.

Foam Street will remain closed while repairs remain ongoing.

No injuries were reported.

The incident remains under investigation by the Winthrop Police Department.

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Winthrop Police Department Shares Information on Town-wide Internet Outage

jgprstaff August 8, 2022August 8, 2022 Emergency Management, Fire, Police

WINTHROP 一 Chief Terence M. Delehanty and the Winthrop Police Department report that Comcast is currently working to restore internet services in Winthrop in response to a town-wide internet outage.

Hundreds of Winthrop residents have been dealing with internet outages since approximately 1 a.m. Monday, Aug. 8, due to damage to fiber lines in Revere.

Comcast is expected to restore internet services sometime Monday afternoon.

Phone services to most Town buildings are down due to the outage. Residents should be aware that the Winthrop Police Department can still be reached at 617-846-1212.

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Winthrop Fire Department to Open Cooling Center on Saturday at Senior Center

Benjamin Paulin July 22, 2022 Emergency Management, Fire

WINTHROP – As high temperatures continue throughout the region, Chief and Emergency Management Director Scott Wiley reports that a cooling center will be open in town on Saturday, July 23, at the senior center.

The cooling center will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and is open to the public. The DeLeo Winthrop Senior Center is located at 35 Harvard St.

All are welcome to come to the air conditioned facility and can stay as long as the cooling center remains open.

Anyone with questions about the cooling center should call the Winthrop Fire Department at 617-846-3474.

Hot Weather Safety Tips

In addition, the Winthrop Fire Department is advising the public of the following tips for preventing heat-related illnesses:

NEVER leave children, adults or pets alone in a closed, parked vehicle.
KEEP COOL – Spend as much time as you can in cooler surroundings. Use air conditioners to cool the air.
Slow down, avoid strenuous activity. If you are not accustomed to working or exercising in a hot environment, start slowly and pick up the pace gradually. If exertion in the heat makes your heart pound and leaves you gasping for breath, STOP all activity. Get into a cool or shady area, and rest, especially if you become lightheaded, confused, weak, or faint.
Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes prior to going out.
Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing that will cover as much skin as possible.
Plan outdoor games and activities for early morning or evening. Rest often in shady areas to allow your body to recover.
Avoid extreme temperature changes.
When the temperature is in the 90’s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath is a better way to cool off.
Drink plenty of fluids, even if you do not feel thirsty, and avoid alcoholic beverages, drinks with caffeine and large amounts of sugar—these actually cause you to lose more body fluid.
Use your stove less and try to cook your meals in the cooler part of the day.
Keep pets hydrated.
Although anyone can suffer from heat-related illness at any time, some people are at greater risk than others.
- Check regularly on: infants and young children, people aged 65 or older, people who have a mental illness, those who are physically ill or who have heart disease or high blood pressure
- Visit adults at risk at least twice a day and closely watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Infants and young children, of course, need much more frequent watching.
Learn the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses and how to treat them.

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Winthrop Police and Fire Respond to Single-Vehicle Crash

Leah Comins July 13, 2022 Fire, Police

WINTHROP 一 Police Chief Terence M. Delehanty and Fire Chief Scott Wiley report that the Winthrop Police and Fire Departments responded to a single-vehicle crash Wednesday night.

At approximately 8:30 p.m., Winthrop Police and Fire were dispatched to the area of Pleasant Street and Pauline Street for a report of a single-vehicle crash.

Upon arrival, first responders found that the vehicle had hit a telephone pole and traffic signal before coming to rest against a stone wall. Bystanders, including an off-duty Massachusetts State Police Trooper, had pulled the driver, a man believed to be approximately 60 years old, from the vehicle and initiated CPR.

The man was transported by ambulance to Massachusetts General Hospital. His condition is unknown at this time. There was no one else in the vehicle.

The crash is under investigation by the Winthrop Police Department, with assistance from the Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section and detectives assigned to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office. An initial investigation indicates that the man may have suffered a medical emergency prior to the crash.

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Winthrop Police Department Announces Retirement of K-9 Clint

jgprrobert July 7, 2022 Police

Chief Terence M. Delehanty would like to announce the retirement of valued Winthrop Police K-9 Clint.

Clint has served with the Winthrop Police Department since April 2015 and was partnered with Officer David Brown. They began their partnership by attending a 14-week police academy, as well as a subsequent 6-week narcotics detection course.

Clint and Officer Brown were both members of the Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (NEMLEC) K-9 team, which responds to searches in communities across the northeastern part of the state.

Clint took part in numerous search and rescue operations, searches for missing persons, and searches for suspects throughout his eight years of service.

Notably, Clint helped locate a young girl who went missing in Winthrop for several hours, using his ability to track scents to locate the girl hiding under a bed in an abandoned home where the girl’s grandmother used to live. Clint also assisted Officer Brown and Winthrop Police in locating a criminal suspect who kicked in the door of a home in town before fleeing and hiding in a nearby garage.

Officer Brown noted that Clint would often walk in a large circle before pursuing a scent.

“They tell you in training classes that it’s not the dog that’s learning the officer, it’s the officer learning the dog,” Officer Brown said. “You learn their behavior and how they react when they’re looking for an object or a suspect, and you learn to communicate based on their behavior.”

Clint officially retired from his police duties earlier this week and will live out his retirement with Officer Brown and his family.

“It will take him a while to get accustomed to staying home, but he has the run of the back yard now,” said Officer Brown. “He never called in sick for work, and was always ready to go with me and provide the best service he could to the people of Winthrop.”