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(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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Winthrop Police, Suffolk District Attorney Investigating Serious Incident

Tom Zuppa Police
Winthrop Police, Suffolk District Attorney Investigating Serious Incident

Three Killed after Apparent Carjacking Incident

WINTHROP — Chief Terence M. Delehanty reports that Winthrop Police, the Massachusetts State Police, and the Suffolk District Attorney’s Office are investigating an incident involving multiple shootings that took place after an allegedly stolen truck crashed into a building in a residential neighborhood on Saturday afternoon.

Winthrop Police responded to a location near the intersection of Shirley and Cross streets at 2:41 p.m. Police also received reports of shots fired.

Upon arrival, police found two people shot. A suspect was identified and located by Winthrop Police a short distance from the scene of the crash. Chief Delehanty confirms that at least one Winthrop Police Officer fired his service weapon, striking the suspect.

The suspect was transported to the hospital where he died from his injuries. One adult female victim was shot and transported to the hospital where she also died from her injuries. One adult male victim was shot and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The officer who shot the suspect was taken to an area hospital for an evaluation but was not seriously injured. The officer will be placed on administrative leave, as is standard procedure, during the investigation of the police shooting by the Suffolk District Attorney’s Office.

A preliminary investigation indicates that the male suspect allegedly stole a box truck owned by a plumbing and drain company and then crashed into a residential building on Veterans Road. Following the crash the suspect emerged from the truck and fled on foot. At some point shortly thereafter, the suspect, who was armed with a firearm, is believed to have shot the two adult victims.

The investigation remains active and ongoing.

As is standard procedure, the Suffolk District Attorney’s Office will have primary jurisdiction over the death investigation.

Chief Delehanty further reports that there is no active threat or danger to the community.

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Update: Shooting Incident

John Guilfoil Police

Police Chief Terence Delehanty reports that the Winthrop Police Department is investigating a serious incident that took place Saturday afternoon in which three people were shot.

Winthrop Police received reports that a large truck had crashed into a building at 2:41 p.m. near the intersection of Shirley and Cross street. Police also received reports of shots fired.

Upon arrival, police found two people found shot. A suspect was identified and located by Winthrop Police. Chief Delehanty confirms that police did fire at the suspect during the encounter. The suspect has sustained serious, life-threatening injuries and was transported to an area hospital. At this time, there are no updates on the conditions of the two victims. One police officer was taken to an area hospital for an evaluation but was not seriously injured.

The incident remains under active investigation by Winthrop Police with the assistance of Revere and Boston Police as well as the Massachusetts State Police.

At this time, Chief Delehanty believes there is no further danger to the community, however motorists and members of the public area asked to avoid the area at this time to allow emergency crews and investigators to do their work.

Further updates will be provided as soon as information becomes available.

Town of Winthrop Announces Delivery of New Trash Bins

Tom Zuppa Uncategorized

Interim Town Manager Terence Delehanty and Department of Public Works Director Steven Calla announce that new trash barrels are being delivered to residences throughout town this week and next.

Each new bin will hold 64 gallons of trash. Bins will be distributed as follows:

  • A single-family house will receive one bin.
  • A two-family house will receive two bins.
  • A three-family house will receive three bins.
  • Condo complexes of three units or less will receive one bin per unit.

Each bin will have an individual serial number and tracking chip specific to that address. 

“We strongly urge residents to stencil their new bin with their address and unit,” Manager Delehanty said. “Each bin will be billed to the owner of record for each dwelling and stenciling will eliminate any confusion.”

The new bins are identical to residential recycling bins in use for many years but have blue lids rather than yellow. This will allow the town’s waste hauler to distinguish between trash and recycling.

The Town is drafting new trash regulations, and will update the public when those have been finalized. The Zero Waste Committee is preparing a guide of best practices for solid waste, recycling and composting that will be distributed to members of the community in the coming weeks.

“Our trash hauler will continue to pick up additional trash that is neatly placed beside the bin in an appropriate covered barrel,” Director Calla said. “However, eventually this excess trash will have an additional cost. We ask residents to be mindful about recycling and to make every attempt to put out only enough trash to fit their bin each week.”

All bins should be delivered by the middle of next week. Anyone who has received an additional bin in error or did not receive the correct number of bins per unit is asked to call the Winthrop Department of Public Works at 617-846-1341.

Winthrop Police Participate in Fair and Impartial Policing Training

jgprstaff Police
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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