Chief William McGrath

A Statement from King Philip Superintendent Paul Zinni and Wrentham Police Chief William McGrath

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Monday, Oct. 7, 2019

For Immediate Release

Media Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: [email protected]

A Statement from King Philip Superintendent Paul Zinni and Wrentham Police Chief William McGrath

WRENTHAM — King Philip Regional School District Superintendent Paul Zinni and Wrentham Police Chief William McGrath would like to issue the following statement regarding this week’s homecoming varsity football game:

“It has come to our attention that at the Friday night, Oct. 4, varsity football game between King Philip and Mansfield, several King Philip students in the student seating section exhibited poor sportsmanship and behavior that violates local laws and the student handbook, including underage drinking.

Some of the students were acting unruly and chanting vulgarities toward the opponents and their fans. When a KPHS staff member tried to go intervene and speak to a particular student, a group of students shouted obscenities at the staff member. In addition, the staff member was unable to walk up the stands because of overcrowding and people sitting on the bleacher stairs.

Following the game, empty alcohol containers were found where the students had been sitting.

Superintendent Zinni and Chief McGrath would like to notify the community that this type of behavior is not acceptable and can put students and others at risk.

Therefore, at this week’s homecoming game against Attleboro High School, there will be an increased police presence along with additional school staff. They will be monitoring the stands for the illegal consumption of alcohol.

Any student found in possession or under the influence of alcohol may be subject to legal and administrative consequences. Please note, as part of the student handbook, school administrators can breathalyze any student at a school event when they suspect that they may be under the influence of alcohol.

As a safety reminder, the stairs on the bleachers must remain clear at all times. This will also be strictly enforced at Friday’s game to ensure safety, along with seating capacities.

As everyone knows, Warrior pride runs deep throughout the Tri-Town area. Rooting for KP and having fun at the football games is something we all look forward to. But the behavior of the students at last week’s game was unacceptable and unsafe. It is our job to ensure that all KP activities and events are safe and enjoyable for all who attend.”

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Wrentham Police Chief Appoints George Labonte as New Deputy Chief

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Town of Wrentham
Kevin Sweet, Town Administrator
79 South St.
Wrentham, MA 02093

For Immediate Release

Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018

Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: [email protected]

Wrentham Police Chief Appoints George Labonte as New Deputy Chief

 

WRENTHAM — Town Administrator Kevin Sweet is pleased to announce that Police Chief William McGrath has promoted George Labonte to be the Wrentham Police Department’s new deputy chief.

Chief McGrath announced this week that he will be promoting Labonte from the rank of lieutenant to deputy chief. The promotion is effective on Friday.

Labonte has worked for the Wrentham Police Department since being hired as a patrolman in 2003. He spent his first seven years as a patrolman, field training officer and detective. He was promoted to sergeant in 2010 and then lieutenant in 2012.

Labonte grew up in Wrentham and graduated from King Philip Regional High School in 1998. He lives in town with his wife Katie and their four children.

Labonte has a master’s degree in public administration from Roger Williams University and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Salem State University.

Labonte will be sworn in as deputy chief at a ceremony on Dec. 4 at 6 p.m. at the Wrentham Public Safety Building in the Community Room. Newly appointed Wrentham Fire Deputy Chief Robert Maduskuie will also be sworn in at the ceremony.

Labonte will assist in the day-to-day operations and business of the police department, supervising personnel in the performance of their duties and maintaining discipline. He will also work toward enhancing the department’s overall mission of providing excellent policing to the town of Wrentham through training, education and new, bold ideas.

“I would like to congratulate Mr. Labonte on his promotion and wish him the best in his new role as one of the leaders of our town’s police department,” Town Administrator Sweet said. “I am sure the swearing in ceremony will be a night he and his family will never forget.”

The position of deputy chief has been vacant since late 2017 when McGrath held the position before being named acting chief. McGrath was appointed as police chief in April.

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