Melrose, Massachusetts Police Department

10/13/2026

MELROSE — The Melrose Police Department is launching a new wellness program for officers and their families just a year after losing an officer to an unexpected medical emergency.

Police and all first responders face tremendous amounts of both physical and mental stress while responding to emergencies. Officer wellness has been a key initiative that Chief Kevin Faller has wanted to start since becoming chief.

The department's loss of an officer to an unexpected medical emergency last year highlighted the need for such a program, and prompted Chief Faller to accelerate his plans.

The department is now partnering with FirstGevity, which provides a wellness app that can be used by both police employees and their families.

The app helps to guide physical workouts, nutrition plans, stress reduction, and other healthy activities to keep officers both physically and mentally well.

"In addition to losing an officer last year, we have had several officers experience personal tragedies and challenges that they deserve support with," said Chief Faller. "I'm also pleased this program enables family members to sign up, as we recognize that a career in law enforcement can be challenging not just for first responders, but also for their families who provide vital support."

Chief Faller said that improving officer health and wellness also helps to improve morale, and by extension retention, making the entire department stronger in the process.

The department will also move into a new police station in about 14 months, and that station will have a brand new fitness room. The current station does not have a fitness room, and the combination of the wellness program and fitness facilities should significantly improve officers' physical and mental well-being.

Chief Faller recently appeared on the podcast of FirstGevity Founder Paige Arnone, and residents can listen to that podcast by visiting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rtyHa6fgRA&t=12s&utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook

For more information on FirstGevity, visit: firstgevity.com.

Chief Kevin Faller of the Melrose Police Department shares why he c...

10/08/2026

‼️‼️‼️UPDATE‼️‼️‼️

Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Reading Police Chief David J. Clark have confirmed that Ryan Hanafin has been located and taken into custody by Vermont State Police. There is no further risk to public safety. More information to follow regarding apprehension and any court appearances.

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Investigators Seeking Unaccounted for Individual Following Death Investigation on Center Avenue

Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Reading Police Chief David J. Clark have confirmed the investigation into an apparent homicide in Reading.

At approximately 12:38 a.m. Reading Police received a 911 call that the body of a 49 year old female had been located inside a Center Avenue home. When police arrived on scene they located the victim suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. She was pronounced dead on scene.

A member of the household, a 22-year-old male named Ryan Hanafin , is unaccounted for at this time. The vehicle owned by the 22 year old male resident is also unaccounted for.
This is an open investigation being conducted by the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, Reading Police and the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office.

Law enforcement is actively looking for Ryan Hanafin who is believed to be operating a 2010 black Dodge Charger with license plate 2PSY15. Ryan is approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall.

Any member of the public who sees either Ryan or the vehicle is asked not to approach and to instead immediately call 911.

10/05/2026

Please welcome our 2 newest Officers Joseph Whitley and Hannah Connolly. Officers Whitley and Connolly graduated from the NECC ROC-09 Police Academy on Friday October 2nd and were officially sworn in today, Monday, October 05, 2026.

Officers Whitley and Connolly are both Melrose High School graduates of the Class of 2021 and after graduating from an intensive 6-month Police Academy they will begin 12 more weeks of Field Training under the mentorship of experienced Field Training Officers.

Officer’s Whitley and Connolly are filling 2 vacant positions that were cut and eventually restored as a result of the proposition 2 ½ override in November of 2025.

It is a long process to recruit, conduct thorough background investigations, and attend an available Police Academy, but we are excited to finally welcome them to the family!

10/02/2026

****UPDATE FOUND*****UPDATE FOUND****
With help from the citizens of Melrose, Gayle has been located. Thank you!

*****BOLO ***** BOLO**** ****BOLO****
MISSING ELDERLY FEMALE MELROSE

Gayle Wetmore, 77 years old, 5'04", left home today (10/2/26) wearing leopard print boots, black pants, and a blue & white shirt. Gayle has dementia and left home today in the area of Derby Road and did not return from her normal 15 minute walk.

There is currently a heavy police presence in the vicinity of Derby Rd. Multiple k9 teams, a drone are being utilized.

If seen or found please contact 911.

09/13/2026

Did you forget you cat outside of Shaw’s? Taped in a cage? In the rain? 🧐🤨 Call (781)665-1212

09/12/2026

Happy “National Women In Law Enforcement Day” to Officers Shannon Stamegna, Ashley Baldwin, Mary Gill, and Student Officer Hannah Connolly!

Thank you all for the great work you do keeping our community safe!

09/11/2026

09/06/2026

🚨🚲 BIKE RODEO UPDATE🚲🚨
Good evening Melrose!

Unfortunately, due to lack of applicants, the Melrose Bike Rodeo has been cancelled at this time. We’d like to thank those who showed interest and applied!

Thank you!

09/05/2026