Winthrop Public Safety

Winthrop Police Department Welcomes New Officer Upon Academy Graduation

jgprstaff July 1, 2022 Police

WINTHROP 一 Chief Terence M. Delehanty is pleased to announce that the newest member of the Winthrop Police Department has graduated from the Reading Police Academy.

Officer Sean Donahue graduated as part of the academy’s 34th Recruit Officer Course (ROC) on Tuesday, June 28. He began his new position as a full-time officer with the Winthrop Police Department upon graduation from the six-month academy training program.

Officer Donahue is a lifelong resident of Winthrop and a 2013 graduate of Winthrop High School. Prior to working with the Winthrop Police Department, Officer Donahue previously worked as a security officer at Encore Casino in Everett.

Officer Donahue is following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Robert “Doug” Donahue, who was a highly respected Boston Police Detective who retired in 1997.

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Winthrop Police Charge Man with Trafficking Fentanyl and Crack Cocaine

jgprrobert June 27, 2022 Police

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Chief Terence M. Delehanty reports that the Winthrop Police Department arrested and charged a Lynn man with drug trafficking as a result of a lengthy police investigation aimed at disrupting the flow of deadly illicit narcotics in the region.

VICTOR MARTINEZ, AGE 22, OF LYNN, was arrested and charged with:

Trafficking a Class A substance (Over 100 Grams of Fentanyl)
Trafficking in Class B Substance (Crack Cocaine)
Possession of Ammunition Without an FID

On Thursday, June 23, the Winthrop Police Department executed a search warrant issued by East Boston District Court for a residence on Trident Avenue that is leased by MARTINEZ.

The search warrant was obtained as a result of a lengthy investigation conducted by the Winthrop Police Department.

During execution of the search warrant, police located nearly 160 grams of Fentanyl, 22 grams of crack cocaine, scales, packaging materials, cell phones, $2,500 in cash, as well as a .22 caliber firearm, .45 caliber ammunition, and two pistol magazines were recovered.

The investigations remains active and ongoing, and Winthrop Police may bring additional charges.

MARTINEZ was arraigned Friday in East Boston District Court, where he was ordered held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing that was scheduled for Tuesday, June 28.

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

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Winthrop Police Officer Receives Community Service Award from Massachusetts Association for Women in Law Enforcement

jgprstaff June 27, 2022 Police

WINTHROP — Chief Terence M. Delehanty is proud to share that Winthrop Police Officer Samantha Ferrino was honored recently with a Community Service Award from the Massachusetts Association for Women in Law Enforcement.

Officer Ferrino was presented the award on Thursday, June 16, at an annual training event in Canton.

Lt. Mary Crisafi nominated Officer Ferrino for her commitment to the Town of Winthrop and community members.

Officer Ferrino regularly interacts with the community through the Citizens Police Academy, Youth Police Academy, the Christmas Toy Drive, the Shannon Grant Open Gym Program, and as a court-appointed special advocate.

“Officer Ferrino’s positive impact on the Town of Winthrop cannot be measured. She is a shining example of going above and beyond in service to the community, and is a role model to fellow officers,” Chief Delehanty said. “Congratulations to her on this well-deserved recognition.”

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From left: Officer Jennifer Adamson, Lt. Steve Rogers, Officer Samantha Ferrino, and Lt. Mary Crisafi. (Photo Courtesy Winthrop Police Department)

Winthrop Fire Department Offers Fire Pit Safety Tips Ahead of Summer

Kayla Rochon May 27, 2022 Fire

WINTHROP – Chief Scott Wiley and the Winthrop Fire Department would like to provide safety tips for grilling and fire pit use as warmer weather approaches.

The Winthrop Fire Department would like to remind residents of fire pit and outdoor grill safety, as the start of summer and outdoor gatherings are expected to take place.

Chief Wiley would like to share the following safety tips provided by the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services:

Make sure the fire and/or smoke does not pose a hazard to any property
Smoke from the fire should not create a nuisance or health hazard in the neighborhood
Only ordinary and dry firewood can be burned in an outdoor fireplace or fire pit
No construction debris, leaves, hazardous waste, or chemicals may be burned at any time
Ensure that your fire pit is on a non-combustible surface at grade level (i.e. not on a deck) and is not under any type of overhang, roof or canopy
A water supply or fire extinguisher capable of extinguishing the fire is within 75 feet of the fire pit or outdoor fireplace
Common sense must be used (i.e. a competent adult must be in attendance) The hot fire pit should always be considered a hazard to curious children, hot embers routinely are sent into the air from these fireplaces, a screen should be in place to prevent the embers from igniting nearby guests or combustibles
Make sure the fire is completely extinguished/put out before going inside
Never leave an open fire unattended

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Propane) Grills

According to Massachusetts Fire Prevention Regulations, 527 CMR Section 6.07: (5), States: “Storage or use of LP-Gas containers above the first floor of a building used for habitation is prohibited.”

Never leave a burning grill unattended.
Make sure that the lid of a gas grill is open when you light it. Propane can build up inside and when ignited, the lid may blow off.
If you smell gas while cooking, turn off and get away from the grill. Call 911 from a safe location. Do not move the grill.
Always turn off the burners and close the propane cylinder when you are done cooking.
Keep all propane outdoors, at least 10 feet away from building openings such as doors, windows and dryer vents, and 20 feet away from air intake vents and ignition sources.
Do not smoke while handling a propane cylinder.
Clean the grease trap every time you grill.
Replace propane cylinders that are old, rusty, or showing any other signs of disrepair.

Grills or Live Fire on Porches and Decks

Always grill outdoors.
Grills cannot be used on a porch, balcony or deck with a roof, overhang or wall (other than the exterior of the building).
Grills can only be used on open first floor porches, decks or patios if there is an outdoor stairway to the ground, or the porch is at ground level.
Grills must be 10 feet from the side of a building unless the manufacturer’s instructions say it can be closer. Make sure grills are not underneath overhanging branches.
Grills cannot be used on fire escapes.
Place grills away from the house and deck railings.
Keep children and pets at least three feet away from grills. Children should never play near grills or propane cylinders. Keep all matches, lighters and lighter fluid away from children.

The Winthrop Fire Department would like to emphasize that outside fires on public beaches are prohibited. Residents should also be mindful of wind currents when burning and only burn when air quality is acceptable.

Stay up-to-date on burning regulations by contacting the Winthrop Fire Department on their non-emergency line at 617-846-3474.

In case of emergency if the smoke/fire from your fire pit or grill is growing at a rapid rate, or you need assistance extinguishing the flames do not hesitate to call 911.

If the fire department responds to any house for any type of outside fire, they have the right to order any fire be extinguished at the fire officer’s discretion.

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Winthrop Police Department Welcomes New Officer from Police Academy

jgprrobert May 19, 2022 Police

Chief Terence M. Delehanty is pleased to share that Reserve Officer Guy Prather recently graduated from the police academy and will now join the Winthrop Police Department.

Officer Prather graduated from the Municipal Police Training Committee’s 29th Boylston Police Academy on Monday, and will now go to work as a certified Reserve Officer while his appointment to a full-time position is pending.

Officer Prather has worked previously with Babson College and the U.S. Federal Reserve Police. He has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the New England College of Business, and a master’s degree with honors in Criminal Justice from UMass Lowell.

“I want to congratulate Officer Prather on graduating from the police academy. He will be an experienced and capable addition to our department and community and I’m pleased to welcome him,” said Chief Delehanty.

*Officer Guy Prather graduated from the Municipal Police Training Committee’s 29th Boylston Police Academy on Monday. (Photo Courtesy Winthrop Police Department)*

Winthrop Police Sergeant Recognized Nationally for his Response to Tragic 2021 Incident

jgprstaff May 13, 2022May 14, 2022 Police

Sgt. Nick Bettano, his wife Danielle Bettano and their daughter Sophia Bettano. (Courtesy Photo

From left: Chief Terence Delehanty, Sgt. Nick Bettano and Deputy Chief John Goodwin at the TOP COP Awards on Thursday, May 12. (Courtesy Photo Winthrop Police Department)

WINTHROP — Chief Terence M. Delehanty is pleased to share that a member of the Winthrop Police Department earned national recognition for his efforts in responding to an incident of hate-motivated violence last summer.

Sgt. Nick Bettano earned the Honorable Mention Award from the National Association of Police Organizations for his response to the incident last June 26 in which a suspect crashed a stolen box truck into a vehicle and building before fatally shooting two bystanders. The investigation revealed the suspect may have intended to crash the truck into a synagogue before losing control of the vehicle.

Sgt. Bettano was recognized on Thursday, May 12, at the NAPO’s TOP COPS Awards outside Washington, D.C.

The TOP COPS Awards is an annual event designed to recognize police officers from around the United States for their service on behalf of their communities.

Sgt. Bettano was the first to arrive on scene, after learning en route that the crash he was responding to was in fact an active shooter incident. Upon arrival, a bystander directed Bettano toward the suspect, whom he observed to be in possession of a handgun. Sgt. Bettano assisted multiple bystanders to safety before making several attempts at commanding the suspect to drop his weapon.

Sgt. Bettano was forced to discharge his own weapon, wounding and ultimately killing the suspect, after the suspect aimed his firearm at Sgt. Bettano.

“This event was a significant tragedy, which impacted our entire community, and Sgt. Bettano’s quick thinking and bravery as the first responder on scene undoubtedly prevented it from becoming an even worse tragedy,” Chief Delehanty. “He is incredibly deserving of this recognition.”

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Winthrop Police Arrest East Boston Man on Drug Charges

jgprstaff April 12, 2022 Police

Winthrop Police working with Boston Police seized narcotics, a firearm and additional materials consistent with use in packaging and distributing narcotics. (Courtesy Photo Winthrop Police Department)

WINTHROP — Chief Terence M. Delehanty reports that the Winthrop Police Department arrested a man last week on drug charges following an extensive investigation.

FRANCIS FORSYTH, JR., AGE 22, of EAST BOSTON, was arrested and charged with:

Trafficking in 36 Grams or More of Fentanyl
Possession of a Class D Drug With Intent to Distribute (Subsequent Offense)

As part of an ongoing investigation, Winthrop Police obtained a search warrant for FORSYTH’S person and residence.

At approximately 11:45 a.m. on Friday, April 8, Winthrop Police and Boston Police conducting surveillance at FORSYTH’S home on Bennington Street in East Boston observed FORSYTH exit the home with another man and enter a red Chrysler Town and Country, which Boston Police subsequently stopped a short distance from the home.

FORSYTH was taken into custody without incident while members of the Winthrop Police Department conducted a search of his residence, which yielded more than 84 grams of marijuana, just under 80 grams of fentanyl, cash, and a variety of items consistent with the packaging and sale of narcotics.

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

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Winthrop Police Respond to Crash Involving Pedestrian

jgprrobert February 9, 2022 Police

Chief Terence M. Delehanty reports that the Winthrop Police Department responded to a motor vehicle crash involving an MBTA bus and a pedestrian on Wednesday in Metcalf Square.

Winthrop Police and Firefighters became aware of a crash in front of the police station in Metcalf Square at approximately 2:45 p.m., immediately provided first aid to an injured man, and secured the scene of the crash.

The crash is being investigated by Massachusetts State Police and Transit Police, so additional details of the incident will not be released by Winthrop Police.

Winthrop Police and the Town of Winthrop are encouraging drivers to avoid the area of Metcalf Square for the next several hours, as road closures will be in place while the crash scene is investigated.

Roads will be closed this afternoon at the following locations:

Herman Street and Belcher Street
All of Metcalf Square and Winthrop Street
Winthrop Street and Wadsworth Street
Pauline Street and Fremont Street

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

jgprstaff January 28, 2022 Fire, Police, Uncategorized

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 Fire Department Awarded State Grant for Safety Equipment

Kayla Rochon January 18, 2022 Fire

WINTHROP – Chief Scott Wiley is pleased to announce that the Winthrop Fire Department is one of over 300 fire departments across the state to have been awarded a grant as part of the Department of Fire Services Fiscal Year 2022 Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant Program.

The $15,147.55 grant awarded to the Winthrop Fire Department will be used to purchase a 3-piece set of battery operated vehicle extrication tools.

This program enables fire departments to purchase a variety of equipment that will make firefighters’ jobs safer. This is the second year that funding has been awarded for this purpose as part of a $25 million bond bill filed by the Baker-Polito Administration to support firefighter safety and health in the coming years.

Fire departments in Massachusetts were able to apply to this program for 118 different types of eligible equipment, including personal protective clothing, gear washers and dryers, thermal imaging cameras, assorted hand tools and extrication equipment, communications resources, hazardous gas meters, fitness equipment, and more. In many cases, the purchase of this equipment will help departments attain compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration or National Fire Protection Association safety standards.

A complete list of the awards by department can be found here.