Burlington

Burlington Police Department Receives $3,000 Grant for Click It or Ticket Campaign

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Burlington Police Department
Michael R. Kent
Chief of Police
45 Center Street
Burlington, MA 01803
www.bpd.org

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Burlington Police Department Receives $3,000 Grant for Click It or Ticket Campaign

BURLINGTON — Chief Michael Kent is pleased to announce that the Burlington Police Department has been awarded a grant to take part in a Click It or Ticket Campaign this spring.

The approximately $3,000 grant was awarded to the Burlington Police Department by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) to fund additional seat belt enforcement patrols this May and June.

An annual Click It or Ticket campaign is organized through the Massachusetts Highway Safety Division of EOPSS to promote seat belt safety. This year’s campaign will run from Monday, May 13 through Sunday, June 2.

According to the state’s annual seat belt observation study, the seat belt use rate rose to 81.6 percent in Massachusetts last year, but it still lags well behind the national average of 89.7 percent.

Additionally, while an estimated 61 lives were saved in Massachusetts in 2017 by seat belts, 62 percent of people killed in motor vehicle crashes in the same year were unrestrained, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“Motorists are required by law to wear a seat belt, and that’s because they’re effective,” Chief Kent said. “We’re fortunate to have this funding to support our seat belt patrols as we remind the community to buckle-up. Seat belts safe lives, time and time again.”

Massachusetts law requires all motor vehicle occupants to wear a seat belt. Fines start at $25 per violation.

All children riding as a passenger in motor vehicles must be in a federally-approved child passenger restraint that is properly fastened and secured until they are 8 years old or over 57 inches tall. Children older than 8 years old or taller than 57 inches then must wear seat belts.

Parents, guardians and caregivers can make an appointment to have their child’s car seat inspected, free of charge, at the Burlington Police Department by calling the traffic division at 781-270-1940.

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Burlington Police Arrest Man Suspected in Attempted Break-In

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Burlington Police Department
Michael R. Kent
Chief of Police
45 Center Street
Burlington, MA 01803
www.bpd.org

For Immediate Release

Friday, April 26, 2019

Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Burlington Police Arrest Man Suspected in Attempted Break-In

BURLINGTON — Chief Michael Kent reports that the Burlington Police Department has arrested a man suspected in a recent attempted break-in.

NICHOLAS, GORMLEY, AGE 24, OF WHITMAN was arrested and charged with:

  • Unlicenced Operation of a Motor Vehicle
  • Carrying a Firearm without a License
  • Possession of Ammunition without an FID Card
  • Receiving Stolen Property Over $1,200
  • Possession of a Class A Drug
  • Attempt to Commit a Crime (Breaking and Entering During the Daytime)
  • Possession of a Large Capacity Feeding Device

On Wednesday, April 24, Detective James Hanafin responded to an attempted break-in at a local residence. Upon arrival police found that a basement window had been broken by a large rock. It is believed the suspect left after an audible alarm went off at the home.

During his investigation of the break-in, Detective Hanafin viewed doorbell camera video of a male walking on the back deck of the home.

Detective Hanafin shared still photos and a short video clip from the footage with area law enforcement agencies.

On Thursday, April 25, at approximately 1:45 p.m. Detective Hanafin was working a traffic detail on Cambridge Street when he saw a man driving a blue Jeep SUV who he recognized as the suspect from the attempted break-in from the previous day. Detective Hanafin subsequently stopped the driver.

The operator of the Jeep, later identified as GORMLEY,  was unable to produce his license and registration during the traffic stop, and was placed under arrest because he did not have an active driver’s license in Massachusetts.

During a routine inventory of GORMLEY’s Jeep, police located a shotgun and ammunition, suspected drug paraphernalia, jewelry, a Burberry backpack, binoculars and other goods that officers had probable cause to believe was stolen.

GORMLEY does not have a license to carry a firearm.

“It was fortunate that Detective Hanafin had seen the footage personally, and that those homeowners had taken the precaution to put a high quality surveillance camera in place,” Chief Kent said. “Detective Hanafin’s vigilance and alertness enabled him locate and arrest this individual.”

Gormley was held pending arraignment at Woburn District Court.

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

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Burlington Police Department Responds to False School Lockdown Alarm

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Burlington Police Department
Michael R. Kent
Chief of Police
45 Center Street
Burlington, MA 01803
www.bpd.org

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, April 9, 2019

Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Burlington Police Department Responds to False School Lockdown Alarm

BURLINGTON — Chief Michael Kent reports that the Burlington Police Department responded to what ultimately was a false lockdown alarm at Memorial Elementary School.

At approximately 8:15 a.m., Burlington Police were dispatched to Memorial Elementary School after being alerted to the activation of a lockdown alarm. Upon arrival, officers immediately carried out their active threat response protocols and quickly determined that the alarm was triggered accidentally.

“We conduct extensive training in order to be prepared for any kind of situation, and I’m proud of the way our officers responded today just as they were trained,” Chief Kent said. “Above all, though, I’m thankful that this was a false alarm and that students and staff were never in any danger.”

Following confirmation that the alarm was triggered by mistake, police cleared school grounds and the school day continued without further interruption.

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Burlington Police Department Participates in Statewide Distracted Driving Campaign

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Burlington-MA-Police-Logo

Burlington Police Department
Michael R. Kent
Chief of Police
45 Center Street
Burlington, MA 01803
www.bpd.org

For Immediate Release

Monday, April 8, 2019

Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Burlington Police Department Participates in Statewide Distracted Driving Campaign

BURLINGTON — Chief Michael Kent reports that the Burlington Police Department is participating in a statewide Distracted Driving Enforcement Campaign, and is reminding residents to remain focused and vigilant behind the wheel.

April is designated as National Distracted Driving Awareness Month by the National Safety Council. As part of the campaign, the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) has awarded the Burlington Police Department an approximately $1,000 grant to increase patrols throughout April, and officers will be on the lookout for distracted drivers.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approximately nine people are killed daily in motor vehicle crashes that involve a distracted driver, and approximately 1,000 are injured.

Massachusetts law prohibits drivers from writing, sending or reading electronic messages, using apps or browsing the Internet while driving, even if stopped at a light or in traffic. Drivers under 18 are prohibited entirely from using mobile phones and other electronic devices while driving. Fines for violating this law can be as high as $500 and teen drivers can also lose their license for up to one year.

“Distracted driving is a critical public safety concern, and the Burlington Police Department urges residents to be responsible on the road, and pay attention,” Chief Kent said. “Put your phone away and always have one hand on the wheel. It only takes a momentary distraction to cause an accident that could take a life.”

The EOPSS Highway Safety Division recommends that motorists:

  • Turn your phone off and put it where you can’t reach it before driving.
  • Let your friends and family know that you’ll be driving and can’t take their call/text.
  • Pull over to a safe place if you have to make a call or send a text.
  • Do not text and drive, browse the internet or read email while driving. It is illegal in Massachusetts and dangerous.
  • Start GPS navigation or review maps before you start driving.
  • Secure pets properly before driving so that they do not become a distraction.
  • Avoid drinking, eating, smoking, or any other potentially distracting activities while driving.

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