reading

Reading Police Department Raises Nearly $3,000 for Veterans During No Shave November

⋅ Client News, Police News ⋅ , , , ⋅ 0 Comments

rpd_patch

Reading Police Department
Mark D. Segalla, Chief of Police
15 Union St.
Reading, MA 01867

For Immediate Release

Monday, Dec. 10, 2018

Media Contact: Jordan Mayblum
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Reading Police Department Raises Nearly $3,000 for Veterans During No Shave November

READING — Chief Mark D. Segalla is pleased to announce that the Reading Police Department has donated $2,900 to Home Base, a Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital program dedicated to helping veterans and their families, through its No Shave November program.

Each of the 24 participating officers pledged $100 to Home Base in exchange for month-long waiver from the department policy restricting facial hair growth. Multiple residents also made donations, helping the department surpass its donation total from 2017.

Home Base is dedicated to helping post Sept. 11 service members and veterans who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, have a traumatic brain injury, or other related conditions.

“No Shave November has become a tradition that all of us look forward to each year, since it’s a fun and visible way to raise awareness for a critical cause,” Chief Segalla said. “I want to thank all of the officers and community members who supported our efforts this year.”

To learn more about Home Base, or to make a donation, visit http://www.homebase.org.

###

Reading Police Conduct Alcohol Compliance Checks

⋅ Client News, Police News ⋅ , , ⋅ 0 Comments

rpd_patch

Reading Police Department
Mark D. Segalla, Chief of Police
15 Union St.
Reading, MA 01867

For Immediate Release

Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018

Media Contact: Jordan Mayblum
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Reading Police Conduct Alcohol Compliance Checks

100 Percent of Licensed Businesses Were Compliant

READING — Chief Mark D. Segalla reports that the Reading Police Department conducted alcohol compliance checks last week at almost two dozen locations in town, and found 100 percent of businesses to be in compliance.

On Wednesday, Nov. 21, Reading Police deployed underage operatives to 23 restaurants, package stores and clubs in town. The authorized underage individuals unsuccessfully attempted to purchase alcohol at each of the businesses with liquor licenses in town, with the exception of three that were not open during the operation.

“I’m thrilled that all of the businesses we visited last week passed the compliance checks, especially on a day that’s commonly considered to be one of the busiest days of the year for bars, clubs and liquor stores,” Chief Segalla said. “Our department is committed to making sure that all businesses are obeying the law and doing their part to keep alcohol away from minors, which is a responsibility we share as a community.”

Since 2008, town, school and police leaders have worked in close collaboration with the Reading Coalition Against Substance Abuse to improve liquor related policies, responsible beverage service education, training and alcohol enforcement.

On average, businesses achieved a 96 percent compliance rate from 2008-2017, compared with 100 percent this year.

The Reading Police Department will continue to monitor local liquor establishments throughout the year and into the future. Communities like Reading that have reduced the availability of alcohol to underage drinkers have experienced fewer crashes and fewer crimes.

According to the Reading Youth Risk Behavior Survey results, the rate of underage drinking dropped 12 percent between 2007 and 2017.

The businesses that were 100 percent compliant were: 

  • American Legion Post 62
  • Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza
  • Bangkok Spice Thai Restaurant
  • Bertucci’s Italian Restaurant
  • Bunratty Tavern
  • Café Capri
  • Chipotle Grill
  • Chili’s Grill & Bar
  • Fuddruckers
  • Knights of Columbus
  • Liquor Junction
  • Longhorn Steak House
  • Mandarin Reading Restaurant
  • Meadow Brook Golf Club
  • Oye’s Restaurant
  • Pamplemousse
  • Reading Fine Wine & Liquors
  • Ricky’s Liquor
  • Zucca Italian Restaurant and Bar
  • Fusilli’s Cucina
  • Square Liquors
  • Wine and Spirits
  • Venetian Moon Restaurant

###

Reading Police Investigating After Scam Call Made to Preschool

⋅ Client News, Police News ⋅ , , , ⋅ 0 Comments

rpd_patch

Reading Police Department
David Clark, Deputy Chief of Police
15 Union St.
Reading, MA 01867

For Immediate Release

Friday, Nov. 9, 2018

Media Contact: Jessica Sacco
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Reading Police Investigating After Scam Call Made to Preschool

READING — Deputy Chief David Clark reports that the Reading Police Department responded to a private preschool this afternoon to investigate after a scam phone call was placed from overseas demanding money from the establishment.

An investigation by Reading Police, in consultation with the FBI, determined that there was no actual danger to anyone at the preschool.

At approximately 3 p.m., Reading Police received a call from a man who stated he would harm people at 5 Senses School, located at 1381 Main St., if he did not receive ransom money. The school services toddlers through children in pre-kindergarten.

Police immediately responded to the scene, and out of an abundance of caution, placed the school on lock down while they conducted a search of the interior and exterior. Nothing dangerous was found inside our outside the building.

At the same time, Reading Police traced the call, which came back to a number registered in Jamaica, as did the address the suspect gave for wiring the money he was demanding.

Reading Police are currently on scene assisting with dismissal, and the school will resume regular hours next week.

###

Reading Police Officers to Remain Unshaven, Continue Charitable Efforts Through Year’s End

⋅ Client News, Police News ⋅ , ⋅ 0 Comments

rpd_patch

Reading Police Department
David Clark, Deputy Chief of Police
15 Union St.
Reading, MA 01867

For Immediate Release

Friday, Nov. 9, 2018

Media Contact: Jordan Mayblum
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Reading Police Officers to Remain Unshaven, Continue Charitable Efforts Through Year’s End

Left to right: Officer Sean Wilson, Lt. John McKenna, Deputy Chief David Clark, Sgt. Chris Picco, Officer Joshua Graciale, Traffic and Safety Officer Michael Scouten and Armorer Patrick Dawley early on in the department’s fundraising efforts for No Shave November and Don’t Shave December. (Courtesy Photo)

READING — Deputy Chief David Clark is pleased to announce that the Reading Police Department raised nearly $3,000 for veterans and their families through its No Shave November program, and for the first time will be extending the effort even further with Don’t Shave December.

This month, 26 Reading Police officers, combined with members of the community, raised $2,900 for Home Base.

Home Base is a Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital program dedicated to helping 9/11 veterans — and their families — who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, have a traumatic brain injury or other related conditions.

Due to overwhelming interest by officers, Deputy Chief Clark has authorized an extension to the waiver of the department’s policy prohibiting facial hair.

Officers will once again have an opportunity to donate $100 in exchange for permission to grow a beard through the end of 2018. The money raised in December will be donated to the Reading Food Pantry.

“I’m so proud of the enthusiasm the whole department has shown in supporting Home Base, and we’re all grateful for the opportunity to give back directly to our own community,” Deputy Chief Clark said. “The Reading Food Pantry is an essential resource for so many in town, especially as the holidays approach, and I know all of our officers are happy to support their work.”

The Reading Food Pantry is open Mondays from 7-8 p.m. and Fridays from 10:30-11:30 a.m., and clients may visit twice a month to collect fresh fruits and vegetables, canned and packaged goods and toiletries, as well as fresh meat and fish that is largely provided by the Greater Boston Food Bank.

Clients also have the opportunity to receive a gift card once a month to help purchase milk, bread and other items not stocked at the pantry. The Reading Food Pantry currently serves 110 households, including a large number of seniors and children. The food pantry is staffed entirely by volunteers — the youngest of whom is three years old — and provides an opportunity for students to earn service hours through volunteerism.

“We’re so thankful that the Reading Police Department named the Reading Food Pantry as the recipient of its ‘Don’t Shave December’ project,” said Volunteer Coordinator Phyllis Maxwell.

“Their generous gift will enable us to purchase food for the holidays and restock in January,” Volunteer Coordinator Charlotte Harlan added. “If members of the community see an officer who looks like they ‘forgot’ to shave, please thank them for participating in this fundraiser.”

###

1 2 3 4 5 >»