Healey visits, talks public safety wins thanks to state grants

HOLYOKE ― Nearly 500 arrests, and 54 illegal guns, 30 kilos of narcotics and $240,000 in suspected drug proceeds seized across the commonwealth: Gov. Maura Healey said Monday that these results show the effects of a state-funded public safety initiative aimed at improving quality of life in communities just like Holyoke.

One in a series of community visits by the governor and top law enforcement officials, the second Regional Public Safety Roundtable took place Monday at the Massachusetts Police Training Center in Holyoke. Similar meetings — spotlighting the positive results of Project Safe Neighborhoods grants — will continue across the state, with Essex County up next.

Attendees included Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia, Hampden County District Attorney Anthony Gulluni, Holyoke Police Chief Brian Keenan, as well as other public safety officials from state, county and regional offices.

Officials said the grants and other state-funded programs are helping to lower crime, make communities safer and support activities for young people across Massachusetts.

That funding also is helping departments carry out important investigations — including wiretap cases — which can be expensive but are key to stopping serious criminal activity, Healey said.

The governor said key funding is going to local Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCAs and other agencies through police departments or district attorneys’ offices. She said the money helps support after-school programs, which are essential for keeping kids safe and engaged outside of school.

“It is so essential when it comes to preventing crime,” she said. “Today, I was just really happy to have a conversation about return on investment of taxpayer dollars. We want to maximize the return on that money.”

Healey also highlighted creative programs that have been supported by the public safety funding, including the CopCycle Patrol ice cream truck in Revere, which helps build trust between police and kids; Roots Rising in Berkshire County, where teens work after school and on weekends at local farms; and ROCA, a nonprofit agency that helps young people stay out of trouble and improve their prospects.

She praised the teamwork between local police, state troopers and surrounding departments, calling it a model for how partnerships can improve community safety. Healey added that continued investment in prevention and the right tools for law enforcement is key to keeping that momentum going.

Garcia said Holyoke has seen real progress, thanks to the partnerships and public safety strategies that work for Holyoke and other communities with unique challenges.

Law enforcement and elected officials are helping families overcome neighborhood disparities to build better futures, Garcia said. He added that compassion oftentimes works hand in hand with enforcement.

“It’s a fine line we’re often walking, and we’re seeing some results,” he said.

Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni, left, and state Rep. Bud Williams, right, were two attendees at a meeting Monday of state, local and county law enforcement officials, who praised the positive results from Project Safe Neighborhoods state grants. (Aprell May Munford / The Republican)Aprell May Munford

As a clear example of the visible impact of the state grants, Gulluni pointed to a recent investigation of the Garcia Market as a suspected drug front in Springfield’s Forest Park neighborhood. The investigation netted thousands of grams of cocaine, heroin and fentanyl, dozens of firearms and more than 50 arrests.

“It’s making a difference for Holyoke and Springfield, and neighborhoods across Hampden County,” he said.

Healey added that these public safety efforts are making a difference in all 351 cities and towns across Massachusetts, with Holyoke showing strong progress.

To measure success and improved quality of life, just look at the parks in Holyoke, said Keenan, the city’s police chief. Residents are noticing the increased presence of law enforcement, with calls coming in daily about state police vehicles and officers walking city streets. He said multi-agency operations are happening regularly.

His department has been focused on street-level crime, in city parks and in neighborhoods. Keenan said small arrests often lead to larger cases, including multistate investigations and wiretap operations.

“If you’re not out there making the little things happen, you never have the big things happen,” he told The Republican.

Read the original article on MassLive . Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here .