Winthrop

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

Benjamin Paulin Emergency Management, Fire
Winthrop Fire Department to Open Cooling Center on Saturday at Senior Center

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 Announce Retirement of Sgt. Judy Racow 

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Winthrop Police Announce Retirement of Sgt. Judy Racow 

Sgt. Racow Retires after Nearly 30 Years of Service, including Awards for Bravery and Actions Beyond the Call of Duty

Sgt. Judy Racow. (Courtesy Photo Winthrop Police Department)

WINTHROP — Chief Terence Delehanty announces the retirement of a longtime member of the Winthrop Police Department.

Sgt. Judy Racow joined the Winthrop Police Department in August 1993 and spent much of her career as a detective, having served as the department’s first female detective. 

Sgt. Racow has received numerous commendations and awards for bravery and actions beyond the call of duty during her long career in law enforcement. She received the Narcotics Enforcement Officers Award in 1996 from the New England Narcotic Officers Association. She also received the department community service award in 1996, having organized the Winthrop Police Department holiday toy drive for many years.

In 1996, while investigating drug case, then-Officer Racow was working undercover when a drug suspect tried to kidnap her. She struggled with the suspect and ultimate helped make the arrest. For her actions, she was honored with the George L. Hanna Memorial Award for Bravery by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security.

Sgt. Racow is also a military veteran and veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. 

“We are grateful for Sgt. Racow’s many years of service to her community, and on behalf of the entire Winthrop Police Department, I wish her all the best in her next chapter,” Chief Delehanty said.

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Winthrop Police Department to Take Part in Multi-Agency Drills

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Winthrop Police Department to Take Part in Multi-Agency Drills

WINTHROP — Chief Terence Delehanty announces the Winthrop Police Department is participating in two multi-agency drills organized by the U.S. Army this week.

Both trainings will involve a military and police presence and are not open to the public. 

The first training takes place today at the Deer Island Treatment Plant from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The second training will take place tomorrow, Tuesday, at the old Winthrop Middle School from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Both of these exercises will provide critical incident training for members of the Winthrop Police Department as well as other area police departments and agencies.

Residents are asked to avoid those areas during these times and to not be concerned if they see military and police personnel in those areas on those days and times. Participants will be required to personal protective gear, such as face masks, during the trainings.

 

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Winthrop Man Cited After Hosting Party in Violation of Pandemic Protocols

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Winthrop Man Cited After Hosting Party in Violation of Pandemic Protocols

WINTHROP — Chief Terence Delehanty reports that a resident was cited last weekend after hosting a party in violation of state gathering restrictions in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

On Saturday, Sept. 12, at approximately 10 p.m., Winthrop Police responded to Bellevue Avenue after receiving multiple reports about a loud party. Upon arrival, officers observed a gathering of approximately 30 people who were allegedly disregarding state mandated social distancing and face covering protocols.

A 51-YEAR-OLD WINTHROP MAN was issued a $300 fine for Failure to Comply With Mandatory Face Coverings under Gov. Charlie Baker’s standing order.

“Our community has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, and willful disregard of the precautions we’re all responsible for maintaining has consequences,” Chief Delehanty said. “Winthrop residents have been doing their part to curb the spread in of the virus in town, and everyone has to remain committed to making these shared sacrifices for the greater good.”

Under state guidelines, indoor gatherings are limited to eight people per 1,000 square feet of indoor floor space and should never exceed more than 25 people in a single enclosed, indoor space.

Additionally, outdoor gatherings are limited to 25 percent of the maximum permitted occupancy of the space, and all gatherings — indoor and outdoor — must be conducted in a way that allows each participant to maintain at least six feet of physical distance from all other attendees who live outside their household.

Everyone attending a gathering with more than 10 people is required to wear a mask or face covering.

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Winthrop Police Department Announces Class of 2020 Scholarship Winners

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Winthrop Police Department Announces Class of 2020 Scholarship Winners
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINTHROP HIGH SCHOOL 2020 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS:
Officer Stephen Acone Scholarship
Given in memory of Officer Stephen Acone in partnership by Winthrop Youth Hockey and Winthrop Police Association:
Sydney Mignosa
Stephen Hinchion
 
Detective Michael Delehanty Scholarship
Given in memory of Detective Michael Delehanty by Winthrop Police Association:

Jennifer Rogers

Officer Charles A. DeMinico, Jr. Scholarship
Given in memory of Officer Charles A. DeMinico by Winthrop Police Association:

Andrew J. Survilas

Lieutenant Joseph Flannery Scholarship
Given in memory of Lieutenant Joseph Flannery by Winthrop Police Association:

Andrei Opincaru

Winthrop Police Arrest Man on Drug Charges

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Winthrop Police Arrest Man on Drug Charges

Chief Terence M. Delehanty reports that the Winthrop Police Department arrested a local man on drug charges on Friday.

ZEFERINO KINCADE, AGE 22, OF WINTHROP was arrested and charged with:

  • Distributing a Class C Drug (Xanax)
  • Possession to Distribute a Class C Drug (Xanax)

On Friday, July 17 at 9:30 a.m., a Winthrop Police Detective, conducting an investigation into possible illegal drug activity, performed a motor vehicle stop of a White BMW with a South Carolina registration in the area of 200 Governors Drive. After an on-scene investigation, KINCADE was arrested, and police located and seized approximately $15,000 worth of Xanax, about 3,000 pills, and approximately $4,000 in cash.

KINCADE was taken to the Winthrop Police Department, where he was booked and held pending arraignment at East Boston District Court.

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Winthrop Police Warns Residents of Telephone Scam Spoofing Town Hall Phone Number

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WINTHROP — Chief Terence M. Delehanty and the Winthrop Police Department are issuing a warning to residents about a telephone scam in which the caller is capable of spoofing the Town Hall’s main phone number.

Chief Delehanty warns that residents should NEVER give personal information, social security numbers or credit card numbers to people who call their homes or cell phones unsolicited.

A resident told police that she received a call on Thursday, Feb. 6, with the caller stating that they were from the Veteran’s Association and asking for donations. The resident did the right thing by immediately hanging up and notifying police.

“Winthrop Veteran’s Services, or any town department, will never call unsolicited and ask residents to give personal information over the phone,” Chief Delehanty said. “Do not engage these scammers, and do not give them any information that could be used to steal your money or identity. Just hang up.”

Common telephones scams that target residents — specifically seniors — include:

  • IRS Impostors: Callers contact you demanding immediate payment for back taxes.
  • Arrested Relative: Scammers contact you claiming that a friend or relative has been arrested and needs bail money.
  • Kidnapped Relative: Scammers call to report a friend or relative has been kidnapped and a ransom must be paid.
  • Threatened Arrest: Scammers call to tell you that you are subject to arrest (by a variety of different agencies: U.S. Marshals, FBI, etc.) and must pay to avoid arrest.
  • Utility Scam: Scammers pose as bill collectors from utility companies and threaten to shut off service if you do not pay.
  • Sweepstakes: Someone calls to notify you that you have won a contest or sweepstakes and must send money to collect any winnings.
  • Tech Support/Malware: Someone contacts you claiming your computer needs repairs and to send money for service or asks to connect to your computer. Additionally, a pop-up can appear on your computer, stating that it is infected with malware, and to call a number to pay to remove the virus.

In many of these calls, the scammer demands payment via electronic money order or pre-paid debit card. This should be an immediate red flag. No legitimate vendor will ever demand money via these means. Sending money via money order or pre-paid debit card is as good as sending cash, and if money is sent to a criminal, it is gone forever and cannot be recovered.

If anyone has any questions or feels that they have been victimized, they are encouraged to call Winthrop Police at 617-846-1212.

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LEO Support Foundation Donates QuikClot Combat Gauze to Winthrop Police Department

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LEO Support Foundation Donates QuikClot Combat Gauze to Winthrop Police Department

The LEO Support Foundation is pleased to announce that it recently donated 40 units of QuikClot Combat Gauze to the Winthrop Police Department.

The units were presented to Chief Terence Delehanty and Deputy Chief John Goodwin, who have already committed to LEO’s cause by purchasing tourniquets for their officers.

“We are grateful to be able to support departments such as the Winthrop Police,” said LEO Support Foundation co-founder Daniel Mahoney. “These protective and potentially life-saving units can be critical should an emergency situation occur, and we are pleased to make this donation.”

Used by many municipalities across the United States, QuikClot Combat Gauze and other QuikClot devices put life-saving technology into the hands of trained law enforcement officials, who are often the first point of care on a scene of an emergency. The units work fast to help control bleeding until additional medical attention can be sought.

About the LEO Support Foundation

The LEO Support Foundation LTD is a registered 501(c)(3) organization and our mission is to raise funds to purchase tourniquets and quick clot gauze for police officers and to raise awareness about first responder suicide prevention.

These important medical supplies are often not considered standard issue equipment and the cost per officer is nearly $100 to outfit them with these items. To date we have raised funds and donated to more than 300 police officers in Massachusetts.

For more information about or to donate to the LEO Support Foundation, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/saveleos and PayPal at www.paypal.me/saveleos.

About Stop the Bleed

Stop the Bleed is a federal awareness campaign and call-to-action launched in October 2015. It is intended to cultivate grassroots efforts that encourage bystanders to become trained, equipped and empowered to help in a bleeding emergency before professional help arrives.

Anyone who wishes to know more or who would like to take a training course through Stop the Bleed can visit www.dhs.gov/stopthebleed.

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Winthrop Police to Present Recovery Model at National Conference

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Winthrop Police Patrol Car

WINTHROP — Chief Terence Delehanty is pleased to announce that the Winthrop Police Department has been invited to present its drug recovery model at the National Drug Court Conference this summer.

The National Association of Drug Court Professionals annually hosts the world’s largest conference on addiction, mental health and the justice system. This year, members of the Winthrop Police Department will have an opportunity to present at RISE19, which brings leaders from all corners of the drug recovery sector together.

Chief Delehanty and Sgt. Sarko Gergerian will co-lead a discussion about the success of Winthrop’s Community and Law Enforcement Assisted Recovery (C.L.E.A.R.) Program. The conference will take place on July 14-17 in National Harbor, Maryland.

Created in 2014, C.L.E.A.R. is an innovative approach taken by the city of Winthrop, which relies on an intra-departmental and community team-based approach to connect people struggling with substance use disorders to recovery resources.

C.L.E.A.R. uses police data to identify people in the community, who members of the team then reach out to directly to offer help overcoming their addiction.

“We’re all proud of what the C.L.E.A.R. program has accomplished so far, and there’s no doubt it has made a tangible impact on our community,” Chief Delehanty said. “I’m grateful that our team will have an opportunity to share this model on such a large platform, and I’m hopeful that the success we’ve had in Winthrop will translate elsewhere.”

Winthrop’s C.L.E.A.R. team includes representatives from multiple career disciplines, including the law enforcement, public health and recovery communities.


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Winthrop Police Respond to Motor Vehicle Break-Ins

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Residents Reminded to Secure Their Cars to Prevent Theft

Chief Terence Delehanty and the Winthrop Police Department are issuing an alert to the community after multiple recent reports of motor vehicle break-ins

Winthrop Police received several calls from residents both Wednesday morning and earlier today reporting that their cars had been entered during the night prior to the reports being filed. In many of the incidents, cash, credit cards, electronics, gift cards and other items left inside the vehicles were stolen.

Officers have responded to 10 reports of motor vehicle break-ins since yesterday morning.

“It’s important for residents to remember to lock their vehicles every time they leave it unattended to help ensure that they don’t fall victim to crimes of opportunity,” Chief Delehanty said. “Many thefts from motor vehicles can be prevented by simply locking your car doors and removing valuables from inside.”

The Winthrop Police Department offers the following tips for residents:

  • Always lock all car doors.
  • Roll up windows and close sunroofs.
  • Never leave loose electronics in plain view.
  • Do not leave money in your car or loose change in plain view.
  • Call police immediately if you notice something missing.


Anyone who would like to report suspicious activity should call 911 immediately. Anyone with information on the break-ins that occurred this week are asked to call the Winthrop Police Department Detective Unit at 617-539-5815.