Townsend Police Department

Integrity - Honor - Duty - Service Since 1898

You are here: Home / Archives for Townsend Police News

Townsend’s North Middlesex Regional High School to Hold Two Days of Graduation Ceremonies for Class of 2020

by

TOWNSEND — Police Chief James Sartell would like to inform residents that graduation ceremonies for the North Middlesex Regional High School Class of 2020 will take place Friday, June 5 and Saturday, June 6.

The ceremonies will be at the school, at 272 Main St., and held in multiple groups from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. over the course of both days. In keeping with state regulations, all ceremonies will follow strict social distancing guidelines and proper hygiene protocols.

“Our senior class has been robbed of so many memories that the typical senior takes for granted. This is why it is so important to be able to offer them a graduation ceremony, even if it’s not the one they always imagined,” Chief Sartell said. “I congratulate each and every member of the Class of 2020 and wish them well in their future endeavors. I also thank the school district for their hard work organizing the graduation ceremonies and giving seniors the closest thing to a traditional graduation as possible.”

Residents are advised that traffic delays may occur in the area of Route 119 and Wallace Hill Road from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day.

###

Townsend Police Department Commemorates National Police Week

by

Chief James Sartell announces that the Townsend Police Department will honor fallen officers from near and far during National Police Week this week.

National Police Week runs from May 10 to May 16 and is observed throughout the United States as a way to honor local, state and federal law enforcement officers who have died or been disabled in the line of duty.

Every year, between 25,000-40,000 law enforcement officers from around the world would normally gather in Washington, D.C. to pay their respects during a number of planned events.

Though this year’s events were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, members of the Townsend Police Department will honor fallen officers throughout the week by wearing memorial badges and mourning bands.

On Tuesday, May 12, members of the department will also be laying a wreath at the monument at the Townsend Police station to honor fallen officers.

“During this week, we remember all the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice and lost their lives protecting the communities they serve,” Chief Sartell said. “We mourn the loss of these mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters and friends, and remember their heroic efforts along with our fellow law enforcement agencies nationwide.”

The Townsend Police Department will join agencies nationwide for Peace Officers Memorial Day on May 15 in flying its flags at half-staff to honor officers who have given their lives in service to their communities.

A total of 146 officers were killed in the line of duty in 2019. Seventy-two have been killed so far this year.  For more information about Police Week visit https://www.policeweek.org/

National Police Memorial Week- Memorial Badges / Mourning Bands

by

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation that designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962 National Police Week “pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.” Sadly, due to COVID-19, this year’s events in Washington, DC have been cancelled.

In solidarity with our fallen brothers and sisters and in recognition of National Police Week, the Townsend Police Department hereby authorizes the wearing of memorial badges/mourning bands effective 5/10-5/16/2020.

 

Connections App – Supporting Patients in Recovery

by

As the nation grapples with COVID-19, it’s important to remember that social distancing doesn’t have to mean social isolation, especially for those of us in recovery from addiction, who rely on supportive networks as part of our healing.

To help support individuals in recovery from substance use disorder, Addiction Policy Forum has partnered with CHESS Health to launch the Connections App, a free smartphone app that is scientifically proven to support patients in recovery by reducing relapse and promoting pro-social engagement.

https://www.addictionpolicy.org/connections-app

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Support Groups

by

Social service agencies are doing their best to continue to provide critical services to those who need them.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) continues to run support groups via telephone. The number for all meetings is 508-206-8720 and no password is required. For more information, email jmaguire@namimass.org. The next meeting is Wednesday 3/25 at 6:30 PM. For more information about NAMI: https://namimass.org/

Well Connection is a program available for those who have Blue Cross/Blue Shield Health Insurance. Users can speak live with medical professionals for both medical and psychiatric concerns. Meetings are confidential and secure, and doctors are available 24/7. Users can sign up here: https://wellconnection.com/landing.htm

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance offers online support groups for these living with depression and bipolar disorder. These groups are peer-led and are available for young adults, friends, and family members. You can find more information here: https://www.dbsalliance.org/…/chapte…/online-support-groups/

Message from the Townsend Police Department regarding COVID-19 and the Impact on Police Operations

by

In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 and in keeping with the Governor’s social distancing guidelines, the Townsend Police Department is making some additional changes to our daily operations and services that we provide.

  • Fingerprinting services are temporarily suspended.
  • New and renewal firearms license applications should be mailed to the department attention “Firearms Licensing.” Applications can be found online here:
    https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-a-firearms-license. The in-person portion of the licensing process including interviews, fingerprinting and photographing is suspended. Licensees who apply for a renewal prior to the expiration of their license (and who get a receipt acknowledging so), will remain valid until such time as the agency approves or denies the license. Additional questions regarding the LTC/FID process should be directed to Lt. Mark Giancotti (978) 597-6214 ext. 1506.
  • Records requests should be made via email to kclark@townsendpd.org or by telephone 978-597-6214 ext. 1501.
  • We ask that citizens refrain from delivering food items to the department. While we greatly appreciate the sentiment and support, it is imprudent to accept food at this time.
  • The administration of the Townsend Police Department will remain available to meet with citizens by appointment only. Please call to schedule an appointment.

While not necessarily in keeping with the Townsend Police Department’s customary approach to citizen relations, these changes are necessary in light of the public health emergency we are facing. We understand the inconvenience that these changes may cause and hope to return business as usual as soon safely possible.

Respectfully,

James Sartell
Interim Chief of Police

Message from the Townsend Police Department regarding COVID-19 and the Impact on Police Operations

by

The Townsend Police Department continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation in collaboration with state and local emergency management agencies. This message is intended to provide you with information on the Townsend Police Department’s efforts to safeguard our employees from the impact of COVID-19 as we continue our mission to deliver effective and efficient police services to the community we serve.

As you are aware, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has declared a State of Emergency related to the COVID-19 outbreak. While there is no reason to think that Townsend is at any higher risk than other cities and towns, the Town’s governing body and public safety agencies have taken steps in an effort to provide for the health and safety of our employees and the Townsend community. As such, we will continue to encourage good hygiene practices including washing hands and limiting person-to person contact. We will continue to advise community members that have a fever, cough or difficulty breathing to stay away from others, practice social distancing, and to contact their medical provider if needed. We will work with our community partners to meet the needs of at-risk populations to reduce risk within their environments.

We are monitoring this public health emergency and will adjust agency protocols accordingly. Effective today, March 16th, we have changed the call procedure for officers allowing them to take reports and gather information from reporting parties telephonically. This does not mean that officers will not respond to calls that require an immediate response, such as motor vehicle accidents, crimes, or incidents that present an imminent and/or immediate threat to safety. Residents are asked to contact the police as you normally would.

We want to do our best, in partnership with you, to reduce the risks of COVID-19, by safeguarding our employees from any unnecessary exposure. We have provided information about the virus to our employees as well as information on how to mitigate risk of exposure to them and their families. An internal reporting process has been put in place in the event an employee is exposed to, or exhibits symptoms of the virus as well.

As this public health emergency evolves, we will adjust our practices to best protect our employees while continuing to deliver safe and effective police services. The health and safety of our employees, as well as the health, safety, and well-being of our fellow citizens are, and will remain, our number one priorities.

Respectfully,

James Sartell
Interim Chief of Police

Townsend Police to Host Child Passenger Safety Event

by

Click here to download a flyer for this event.

Townsend MA: The Townsend Police and Fire Departments will jointly host a child safety seat checkup event on June 10, 2017 from 9AM-Noon at the Harbor Fire Station 47 Main Street Townsend MA.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nationally, three out of four safety seats are used improperly. Locally, the Police and Fire Departments want to do their part to help keep children safe while traveling in cars.

Certified child passenger technicians and instructors will offer one-on-one inspections of child safety seats and show parents and caregivers how to determine if their child is in the right seat for the child’s age, height, and weight and will review a checklist of common misuse and explain if there are any corrections needed.

This free event will help parents and caregivers to avoid one of the most common mistakes caregivers make – using the wrong size safety seat as well as to provide tips to ensure that the harness is used properly to afford the child the most protection possible. The child safety seat checkup process also includes looking up the seat to see if the there is any type of recall issued by the manufacturer. A recent recall of the Graco My Ride 65 illustrates the importance of checking recalls and keeping up to date on child passenger safety issues. Find out more about the recall here

https://pages.email.gracobaby.com/myride-harness-recall/

Be sure to make time for this important event!

Townsend Police Investigating Scam Involving Drugs Sent through the Mail

by

Townsend Police Department
Chief Robert M. Eaton Jr.
70 Brookline Road
Townsend, MA 01469

For Immediate Release

Friday, Jan. 20, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Townsend Police Investigating Scam Involving Drugs Sent through the Mail

TOWNSEND — Chief Robert M. Eaton Jr. reports that the Townsend Police Department, working alongside the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the U.S. Postmaster General, is investigating a scam involving drugs that are sent through the mail and landing in Townsend residents’ mailboxes.

On Thursday, Jan. 19, around 4:30 p.m., police responded to a residence on Sumac Drive on a report that the female homeowner had received a package in the mail containing what she thought might be an illegal substance.

Upon arrival, an officer was directed to a bag containing circular pills, which he identified as Adderall. The package was addressed to an individual in California, with the return address made out to the residence on Sumac Drive.

This incident mirrors others that have previously been reported to the Townsend Police Department.

In September, a male homeowner on Walnut Street received a package of Adderall that was addressed to someone in Wisconsin, with his residence listed on the return address. Additionally, in August, a female homeowner on Mason Road received a package with Adderall inside, which had been addressed to an individual in California. The woman’s home address was listed in the return address field, yet the woman did not send the package.

In all cases, the packages were sent back to the return addresses because they didn’t have the sufficient postage to make it to the supposed destination. Townsend residents who have reported receiving these packages state that they did not send anything through the mail, and are surprised to find the drugs in their mailboxes. Townsend Police believe this is a new system instigated by drug dealers and users to transport drugs through the U.S. Postal Service.

“Scammers are purposely using insufficient postage to transport drugs through the mail system, and Townsend residents have fallen victim in recent months,” Chief Eaton said. “We encourage residents to remain vigilant and keep their eyes peeled for any suspicious packages or unusual persons in their neighborhood.”

The series of incidents are currently under investigation by the Townsend Police Department, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the U.S. Postmaster General.

Townsend Police encourage residents to be careful of their surroundings and take notice of anyone who may be approaching their property on foot. Additionally, anyone who receives an unexpected package in their mailbox is asked to immediately contact the Townsend Police Department at 978-597-6214.

###

NEMLEC Member Department

NEMLEC Member Department

NEMLEC Member Department

Townsend Police Department

Chief of Police James P. Sartell

70 Brookline Road
Townsend MA 01469

Police Business: 978-597-6214

In case of emergency, dial 911.