Whitman-Hanson Express

You are here: Home / Archives for Stephanie Spyropoulos, Express Correspondent

Police donation aids child with cancer

By

WHITMAN — With an infectious smile and determination Kyler Hockney’s played with his Lego toy like any child his age — he is full of spunk. Even his name means warrior, and he is certainly striving for the title.

At the age of 4, Kyler Hockney is battling, and winning, his fight against childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

With mom and dad by his side and new baby brother Max, Kyler was given a check from Cops for Kids with Cancer CFKWC for $5,000 at the Whitman Police station Tuesday, Aug. 8, along with an entertaining bag of treats, a teddy bear and a gift certificate to get ice cream at Peaceful Meadows.

“We can’t thank them enough for the involvement.  The people were phenomenal (CFKWC) we had to take Kyler in for an emergency platelet transfusion and we talked to Helena and she was wonderful helping us reschedule,” said Kyler’s dad Devin Cooney.

In January, with three weeks until her due date with Max, parents Lisa and Devin Cooney were given a diagnosis that Kyler who was then 3 years old, had childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. He is also Philadelphia Chromosome Positive. ALL is a type of cancer in which the bone marrow makes too many immature lymphocytes a type of white blood cell.

The family was given direction from both a mutual friend and social services through Massachusetts General Hospital where he is being treated about the CFKWC program.

The Cooneys acknowledged their great support system they have through the challenges of Kyler’s treatments.

Most days he is running around playful, happy full of energy.

“He’s always smiling,” said dad. “We have those days he has been phenomenal you wouldn’t know, (he’s sick) but there are days his counts are off and he won’t eat and… he just wants to be a kid.”

In 2001 the FDA had approved a certain oral chemotherapy that Kyler takes daily. It specifically blocks the chromosome from doing what it wants to do, which is make the leukemia repeat itself. He has a specific treatment plan that he follows.

“Even though he has the chromosome … they know how to treat that,” said mom Lisa.

Deputy Chief of Canton Police Helena Rafferty, who is also President of Cops for Kids with Cancer was the presenter at the gathering at the Whitman Police Department. She started her remarks with wishing that Kyler didn’t have to have cancer in his life and be able to play at the playground being a healthy kid.

“When your child is traveling this journey of being treated for cancer there are so many concerns that families come up against,” said Rafferty. “They should be able to totally concentrate on the child. But there are so many financial issues mortgage, gas and transportation to the hospital.  It is a privilege to be able to help the family.”

In the past families have used monies presented by CFKWC to construct backyard playgrounds, pay mortgages and even take a family vacation.

“[As officers] we have taken the oath to protect and serve — we know what the protect aspect is-the everyday things you connect with policing,” Refferty said. “This is serving our community. The people who truly need it at a desperate time and when your child is sick- there is nothing more desperate than that.”

On behalf of the Whitman police she donated the check to the family to offset their financial burdens with Chief Scott Benton and Whitman officers gathered to welcome the family and offer their encouragement.

Established in 2002 according to the CFKWC website the charity has grown tremendously over the last fifteen years.

“We have a 20-plus person board of directors comprised of active and retired police officers, and friends of law enforcement,” Rafferty said. “All are volunteers, receiving no salaries. We all work very hard to plan events and keep our overhead to a minimum.” Their missions  is Cops for Kids with Cancer is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on raising funds to provide assistance to families of children fighting cancer, to improve their quality of life.

Although life has challenged them this last year the Cooney’s are staying focused on Kyler’s recovery.

“Having a three year old diagnosed with cancer was very hard to hear at first,” Devin Cooney said. “We have such a great support system around us it’s helped tremendously. We can’t thank the people at Mass General enough. They have made this so much easier for us, for him.”

When Kyler’s treatments were decided upon they felt optimistic in the news doctors gave.

“We were told at the beginning that this medicine is a ‘game changer,’” he said. “We were told by his doctors it (ALL) used to be a very bad actor. But with this new medicine prognosis is becoming much better.”

Kyler has had some setbacks delaying treatments due to low platelet counts but they are about five months through his treatments.

“We have amazing medicine now in 2017. We can’t really look too far in the future, it is taking each day as it comes,” said his mom Lisa.

Whitman holds a night out against crime

By

Whitman officials and first responders from many agencies merged together to create a family event Tuesday at the Memorial Field in Whitman. A tradition, which had been hosted at the Brockton Rox Game, was hopefully re-fueled by the excitement of the evening. Whitman held their first annual Night out against Crime and perhaps will carry on the torch.

The event was well attended as children and families used multiple bounce houses and inflatables from Busy Bee jumpers, they interacted with the State police helicopter following a landing nearby. They had ice cream delivered by Little Duke ice cream truck of Pembroke; a dream come true on a hot summer evening.

Volunteer face painters were all from the community of local youths who had some creative characters, which they were highlighting on the faces of little ones at the event.

Whitman police, fire, ADT home security, Plymouth County Sheriffs, Busy Bee Jumpers, Regal Marketplace and The Knights of Columbus donated ice it was many agencies coming together. All services were donated to the family event.

Chief Scott Benton thanked the generous donations by many who gave to the event, which was free to all.

“It was community creating a common cause for the kids,” said Benton, who was pleased at the turnout.

The Whitman Police Association wanted to do something for the community as a way of interacting and thanking them for their support, said School Resource Officer Kevin Harrington who was among the dozens of local officers who mingled with those in the crowd.

Families were able to enjoy themselves on a warm summer night, and also talk with first responders of police and fire. Many had their entire families with them whom also were volunteering manning the grills andwelcoming all.

The Regal Marketplace donated grill items such as hot dogs and hamburgers, cheese and all the fixings with deli salads, cold beverages and pastries for dessert.

2 charged in WEB drug bust

By

WHITMAN — A drug arrest was made in Whitman July 20 in conjunction with the WEB Task Force after a month-long investigation.

The WEB Task Force combines the investigation efforts of officers from West Bridgewater, Whitman, East Bridgewater, Bridgewater and Bridgewater State University.

Samuel Rutledge, 28, of 50 Center St., Brockton, was identified by West Bridgewater Officer Sean Devilly,  and Whitman officers Paul Young and Peter Aitken as the Fentanyl supplier to various customers in this region.

Rutledge was an alleged dealer utilizing various female drivers to transport and deliver the narcotics.

On Thursday, July 20, investigators assigned to the task force observed Rutledge engage in what was believed to be a narcotics transaction in Whitman. Detectives then stopped Rutledge and the female who was driving Rutledge to the narcotics transaction, according to a police statement. He had possession of what was suspected to be Fentanyl and crack cocaine, which was packaged for resale, according to a prepared press release from the WEB Task Force. The estimated street value of the seized drugs was approximately $3,000.

“The pairing of crack cocaine and Fentanyl is problematic for investigators and health care workers as there has been a noticeable increase in overdoses due to the coupling of these two narcotics,” police stated. “Investigators and Health Care experts have noticed that traditional cocaine users are overdosing on what they believe to be Fentanyl instead of cocaine.”

Rutledge was charged with trafficking a class B substance, distribution of a class B substance three counts, possession with intent to distribute a class B Substance – Fentanyl and one count of trafficking more than ten grams of Fentanyl. He was arraigned on July 20. The Commonwealth requested $50,000 bail. Judge Bernard set bail at $25,000 along with the requirement to wear a GPS monitoring bracelet. A probable cause hearing is set for Aug. 18.

The driver Christina Justiniano, 31,who gave her address as Weymouth during booking — but was identified as from 126 Nicholson Drive, Brockton in the WEB relase —was charged with one count of conspiracy to violate the drug law. She was also arraigned on July 20 and is due back to court Sept. 7. She was given a bail warning.

Arrests in Hanson incidents

By

HANSON — Hanson police officers made arrests this week in two cases crediting police work, and alert witnesses for providing valuable information.

On June 14 just before 9:30 p.m., a masked male armed with a knife attempted to rob the Dunkin Donuts on Liberty Street. The employees reportedly fled the building to get help and the suspect left empty handed.

Officers were lead to the suspects after Officer Meegan of the Hanson Police had observed a similar car at Shaw’s matching the brown 2002 Ford Taurus that was seen leaving CVS at the time of the robbery and had obtained a plate number.

Subsequent interviews and video led Hanson Police to contact Quincy Police, said Chief Michael Miksch in a prepared press statement. The Dunkin Donuts manager assisted police in viewing the surveillance video. The footage showed a male party holding a knife in his hand, take the tip cup and attempted to open two cash registers.

Hanson Police were able to secure and execute two arrest warrants in the city of Quincy for Nicole Gallagher, 38, and Kenneth Gosselin III, 33, both of whom reside in Quincy.  Mrs. Gallagher is being held on $100,000 bail for arraignment in Plymouth District Court on Monday. Mr. Gosselin is also being held on $100,000 cash bail for arraignment Monday in Plymouth  Police were led to the suspects after interviewing the witnesses who observed a vehicle that matched the description of Mrs. Gallagher’s vehicle.

charges

Gallagher was arraigned on one count each armed and masked robbery, assault with a dangerous weapon. Gosselin  was arraigned on one count each of armed and masked robbery, assault with a dangerous weapon. They are both scheduled to be in court again on Tuesday, July 11. The investigation was led by Sgt. Andrews and Officer Meegan of the Hanson Police Department. Detective O’Brien, Officer Hughes, Officer Vigneau, Officer Peterson, and Officer Godwin were also instrumental in solving this case. The Hanson Police Department would like to thank the Quincy Police for their assistance as well as the area businesses and witnesses who provided valuable information.

Hanson Police received a report of a breaking and entering to a motor vehicle at Shaw’s Supermarket on Liberty Street just after 5 p.m. on Friday, June 16.

One of the vehicle’s windows was smashed and the perpetrators stole a purse. Witnesses reported seeing a green Mitsubishi Galant occupied by a male and female party in the area. A broadcast was sent out to area police departments with the vehicle later being located in Whitman at the CVS on Bedford Street. Whitman Sgt. Bombardier and Officer Young held the vehicle and the occupants until Hanson police could identify the parties.
Officers found the stolen pocketbook from the vehicle in Hanson. Police found numerous cell phones and pocketbooks in the car after obtaining a search warrant.

pair charged

Nicolas Flores, 24, of Brockton  and a 17-year-old female from Ohio were taken into custody and charged with breaking and entering to a motor vehicle, larceny over $250, and destruction of property over $250. The female was being held in custody by Department of Youth Services until her arraignment in Plymouth Juvenile Court Monday. Flores was being held on $2500 cash bail at the Plymouth House of Correction.  He was arraigned on Monday in Plymouth District Court. Flores was arraigned on in Plymouth District Court June 19. He is next due in court on Aug. 8.

The Hanson Police are working to locate the owners of this merchandise. Sgt. Peter Calogero, Officer Elisha Sullivan, and Sgt. Michael Bearce  assisted in the case. The cooperation of witnesses and the Whitman Police were also greatly appreciated, said Miksch.

Hanson man aids in rescue after crash

By

A 52 year old Cape Cod man is fortunate to be alive after a fiery crash Tuesday afternoon when he veered off the road and into a tree near 113 Monponsett Street by the Halifax-Plympton line.

The unidentified male was partially ejected from the impact when witnesses reached him they pulled him to safety through the vehicle window.

Andy Lewis of Hanson reportedly told first responders he heard the crash from across the street in a field where he was using a brush mower.

A few cars back, off-duty firefighter Richard Moroge of Wareham witnessed the Jeep Grand Cherokee going off the road.  They jumped into action dragging the male approximately 20 feet away from the burning vehicle. The vehicle had a fully involved engine fire after striking the tree; however the driver cab had not caught fire in the minutes that ensued, according to Halifax Fire Chief Jason Viveiros.

Moroge’s department website lists him as a Wareham firefighter since 1984.

Multiple 911 calls were received by passersby at the Regional Old Colony Communications Center in Duxbury   at 1:23 p.m. The male sustained non-life threatening injuries and was ground-transported by Halifax EMS.

Halifax and Plympton police and Plympton Fire Chief Borsari all assisted at the scene. Halifax police are investigating the accident.

Gas main ruptured: No injuries reported as repairs made

By

WHITMAN — A mushroom-like plume of brown debris was seen drifting over homes on Hogg Memorial Drive in Whitman around 8:20 a.m. on Thursday, June 1 after workers in the street hit a gas main while replacing water pipes — an ongoing project in the neighborhood, according to Fire Chief Timothy Grenno.

A Whitman officer on a detail at the scene reported the initial gas break alerting officials to the incident. The area was shut down to traffic and residents in approximately 15 homes on the street, out of an abundance of caution, were evacuated. There were six people combined and the Whitman Middle School on Corthell Avenue was used as a brief place of shelter for those closest to the accident zone, Grenno stated in a press release.

National Grid was on scene later around 9:30 a.m. and began to repair the pipe. Later in the day a Clean Harbor crew was preparing to sanitize the area after 5 p.m. A worker said he was unable to comment on what was being cleaned or tested and referred the Express reporter to National Grid for comments.

The initial incident was startling to neighbors who said they did not hear anything just voices and shouting following the incident as the crew realized they hit the gas main.

Jennifer Grady, who lives at 201 Hogg Memorial Drive where the digging was occurring and quickly realized there was something serious as she saw brown smoke covering her windows. She exited her home and later was directed to leave the area for safety reasons.

Two homes closest to the scene were covered in brown and reddish dirt and rust. There were no reported injuries.  Residents were able to return home at about 10:20 a.m. according to Grenno.

“When you have a leak of that size, it clears all the rust and dirt out of the line, because of this, a brown gas cloud covered the south and west end of town and began blowing into the center of town,” Grenno said.

Whitman is at the end of the National Grid line in a highly pressurized area.  Firefighters secured the scene and set up hoses to protect nearby structures, anticipating possible ignition of the gas, he said.

EMS was also on scene to assist a male resident on the street who was unable to exit his home due to his medical status and sheltered in place at his residence.

Whitman Police assisted on scene and were instrumental in evacuating homes. The East Bridgewater Fire Department provided station coverage for Whitman and responded to several emergencies in town.

Whitman Fire Rescue cleared the scene around 11:30 a.m. National Grid was on-site completing repairs, and Hogg Memorial Drive was closed until all crews cleared.

“We’re thankful that no one was hurt and we appreciate residents’ cooperation and patience during this incident,” said Chief Grenno  “At no time was anyone in serious danger.”

Hoax bomb threat forces Rt. 18 closure

By

WHITMAN — Early morning traffic was snarled in Whitman Tuesday as traffic was re-routed to avoid a section of Bedford Street (Route 18) during an investigation of a bomb threat — determined to be a hoax.

In a joint press release Whitman Police and Fire departments stated they investigated a report of a bomb threat at 8:45 a.m. Tuesday, May 30,  which was later determined to be a hoax similar to one in another state.

Officials made the decision to close Bedford Street during the investigation out of an abundance of caution, the chiefs said. The business, an insurance office, and surrounding businesses, including a fast food restaurant, were evacuated for a short time.

Police Chief Scott Benton and Fire Chief Timothy J. Grenno both responded to the scene. The Massachusetts State Police Bomb Squad responded and conducted a search that discredited the threat.

“While we regret the inconvenience this incident may have caused, we hope that citizens and motorists understand that these precautions can sometimes be necessary,” Benton said. “These cases require the utmost caution, because being wrong even once can result in dire consequences.”

The Whitman threat was reportedly received by a business owner via fax. Police stated the hoax was nearly identical to another reported incident in London, Ky., at a newspaper printing company. In both messages, the owner was instructed to wire $25,000 to a Brazilian national in Chicago. Whitman Police warn business owners that these faxes are hoaxes, and any money wired to anonymous individuals will be lost forever and cannot be recovered.

During the investigation, Whitman Police and Fire were assisted at the scene by Abington and East Bridgewater Police units.

The incident is under investigation by the Whitman Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police, and federal authorities.

Hanson honors the fallen

By

HANSON — Residents turned out, despite a light rain, to watch ceremonies featuring selectmen and other town officials gathered at the town’s Civil War memorial on the Town Green after marching down Liberty Street Monday, May 29.

Keynote speaker, retired Army Col. Robert Huke of Hanson spoke to residents who displayed their support and commitment to the town’s observances despite the wet weather.

Wrapped in blankets, sharing colorful umbrellas and lining the street to show solidarity and respect countless residents remained present to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to country.

Huke touched on the meaning and history of Civil War General John A. Logan, who was a leader of that war’s Union veteran’s group, the Grand Army of the Republic. Logan was a driving force behind the observances we now celebrate as part of Memorial Day, Huke reminded the crowd.

“Enjoy your day, enjoy extra time with family and friends but I ask you this, please don’t forget why we celebrate. This is why the many gather here to honor our veterans the few who were so willing to give of themselves to defend their brothers and sisters and their country,” he said. “There is a difference about today Memorial Day isn’t just about honoring veterans it’s about honoring those who lost their life.”

Other traditional portions of Hanson’s observances included a reading of Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address by Bruce Young and a ceremonial rifle salute by the 22nd Mass. Vol. Infantry re-enactment group.

Guilty plea in tax fraud case

By

A former Whitman Police sergeant pleaded guilty in federal court Tuesday, May 16 to wire fraud, preparing false income tax returns for clients of his tax preparation business, obstructing the internal revenue laws and misappropriating funds from the accounts of disabled veterans while he was a fiduciary appointed by the U.S.  Department of Veteran’s Affairs.

The plea was announced by Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney William D. Weinreb for the District of Massachusetts in a press release from the Public Affairs Office of the Department of Justice-Washington.

Glenn P. Pearson, 61, admitted to causing a tax loss of more than $1.5 million.

Pearson used his position as a fiduciary to misappropriate and embezzle more than $250,000 in VA-issued benefit money from the accounts of several veterans, according to the statement.

In court documents, officials stated Pearson obstructed the IRS by falsifying statements and documents for his clients, who were being audited.

“Mr. Pearson now finds himself on the opposite end of the very laws he was once sworn to uphold,” said Special Agent in Charge Harold H. Shaw of the FBI’s Boston Field Division.  “He took advantage of his position as a fiduciary to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars from disabled veterans. The FBI will do everything we can to protect citizens against fraud, and stop those who steal from them.”

Pearson is scheduled for sentencing Sept. 19, facing a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for wire fraud, five years for misappropriation of funds by a fiduciary, three years for preparing false tax returns, and three years for attempting to interfere with the administration of the internal revenue laws.  As part of his plea he must make restitution to the veteran’s, the VA and IRS.

Pearson was reportedly fired as a Whitman police officer in early 2001 amid allegations of numerous inappropriate actions while on the job.