Cohasset Police Arrest and Charge Scituate Woman With Fourth OUI Following Crash

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Chief William Quigley reports that the Cohasset Police Department arrested and charged a Scituate woman with her fourth OUI following a motor vehicle crash that took place early Sunday morning, Oct. 23.

LINDA BURLINGAME, AGE 62, of SCITUATE was charged with:

  • Operating Under the Influence of Liquor (Fourth Offense)
  • Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle
  • Marked Lanes Violation

At approximately 12:30 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 23, Cohasset Police Sgt. Jeffrey Treanor and Officer Thomas Brown were dispatched to the area of the Border Street Bridge for a report of a motor vehicle crash. Upon arrival, officers observed an unoccupied, legally parked Audi SUV with rear-end damage and an occupied Honda sedan with heavy front-end damage parked and running a short distance away.

Officers approached the Honda sedan and made contact with the driver of the vehicle, who was identified as BURLINGAME.

BURLINGAME appeared confused, refused medical attention and attempted to start her car to drive away. Officers advised BURLINGAME to turn off her vehicle.

BURLINGAME was instructed to step out of the Honda, but displayed obvious signs of impairment.

Based on the officers’ observations and communication with BURLINGAME, she was then taken into custody at the scene and transported to the Cohasset Police Department for booking.

BURLINGAME was arraigned today in Quincy District Court. She was released with a location and alcohol monitoring bracelet. She is expected to return to court on Dec. 13 for a pre-trial conference.

These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Cohasset Police Department Awarded Funding Through State’s Municipal Road Safety Grant Program

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Chief William Quigley is pleased to announce that the Cohasset Police Department has been awarded $16,417 in grant funds as part of the Municipal Road Safety Grant allocated by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security’s Office of Grants and Research (OGR).

The Cohasset Police Department will use the grant to fund dedicated patrols for traffic enforcement and traffic safety equipment. Of the funding, $4,980 will be used to purchase permanent RADAR signs for upper King Street and the Beechwood area.

The police department plans to add more RADAR signs as more funding becomes available, including additions to the permanent RADAR units that have already been installed on Forest Avenue and Sohier Street. 

“Traffic, bicycle, and pedestrian safety have been top priorities for the town and police department for the past three years, and this grant will assist us in furthering our efforts,” said Chief Quigley. “Through competitive grant funding and support from the Town Manager, the Select Board, Senator Patrick O’Connor, and Representative Joan Meschino, we have been very fortunate in receiving this funding” 

The department would also like to thank Lt. Gregory Lennon, the department’s Executive Officer, for his work in seeking out, applying for, and managing police department grants. 

The grant is part of $10.9 million in federal grant funding awarded by the Baker-Polito Administration earlier this month to 186 municipal and state agencies for road safety improvements.

The grants provide police departments funding to address local traffic safety issues through enforcement, new equipment and novel traffic-safety programs. The goal is to support traditional enforcement activities and develop new strategies to reduce roadway crashes, injuries, fatalities, and associated economic losses in Massachusetts.

Since taking office in 2015, the Baker-Polito Administration has distributed approximately $70 million in highway safety grants. The grants provide equipment, training, and enforcement resources for local communities. 

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Cohasset Officials Caution Residents Following Two Reported Coyote Incidents

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Chief William Quigley reports that the Cohasset Police Department is cautioning residents following two reported coyote incidents in town.

On Aug. 27, Cohasset Police received two reports of incidents involving coyote interactions. In the early morning hours of Aug. 27, Cohasset police officers were dispatched to a residence on Highland Avenue for an incident between seven coyotes and two dogs. The dogs were off-leash when they were approached and attacked by the coyotes. One of the dogs involved in the incident was euthanized due to extensive injuries as a result of the attack.

Officers also learned that later that day at approximately 8:30 a.m., a man and his two dogs, who were also off-leash, were on the blue trail in the Whitney Thayer Woods by the Brass Kettle Brook when they were attacked by a coyote. The man went to the hospital following this incident and has since been treated and released.

“Coyotes are active year-round and we typically see increased activity in the springtime, however, ahead of the winter we also see a lot of coyote activity as they hunt in preparation for the winter months,” said Natural Resources Officer Josh Kimball. “To ensure our community members’ safety, we encourage residents to be aware of their surroundings and monitor their animals at all times. Oftentimes, wild animals see smaller pets as potential food and larger pets as competition, so they attack. We encourage residents to not let these animals intimidate you, and if you do encounter a coyote you should scare them away immediately.”

To view a video of Natural Resources Officer Kimball discussing tips on how to prevent coyote encounters, click here.

Cohasset Police wish to share these tips from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife for safely avoiding interactions with coyotes:

  • Never provide food for coyotes or do anything to attract them. Coyotes rely on natural food and typically remain wild and wary of humans.
  • Prevent coyotes from accessing food sources:
    • Food, including snacks, pet food, birdseed and food-related trash, can attract coyotes and other wildlife. Left outside, these foods encourage wild animals to visit residential areas.
    • Only feed pets indoors and keep dumpster and trash areas clean, as well as keeping trash containers covered
  • Spend time outdoors. Coyotes generally try to avoid humans, and their natural fear is reinforced when play areas, back yards and trails are actively used by people. The regular presence of people is a deterrent for coyotes to visit.
  • Protect pets from coyotes. Although free roaming pets are more likely to be killed by automobiles than by wild animals, coyotes do view cats and small dogs as potential food, and larger dogs as competition. For the safety of your pets, keep them leashed and under your supervision at all times. Also remember to feed your pets indoors to avoid attracting wildlife.
  • If you encounter a coyote, Project Coyote recommends taking steps to scare it away — these steps are known as hazing:
    • Stand your ground: Make eye contact and advance toward the coyote while actively hazing until it retreats. Allow room for it to retreat.
    • Make sure the coyote is focused on you as a source of danger. Do not haze from a building or car where it can’t clearly see you.
    • Continue your hazing efforts, even if there is more than one coyote present.
    • Use multiple tools, such as loud sounds, light and exaggerated motion.
    • Hazing should be exaggerated, assertive and consistent.
    • Coyotes have routine habits, so make note of when and where you encounter them. Ask your neighbors to assist in scaring them off.
    • If a coyote appears sick or injured, do not attempt to haze it. 
  • Hazing should be avoided in the months of March through July, as well as if the coyote is a comfortable distance away, or if you encounter a coyote in an open area where a den may be nearby. You should haze a coyote if it approaches you, or if you see it comfortably walking in a neighborhood or park.

For more information about remaining safe from coyotes, click here.

Residents who encounter coyotes should call Natural Resources Officer Kimball at 781-383-1212 or 9-1-1 for emergencies, or 781- 383-1055 ext. 6125 for non-urgent matters.

 

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Town Of Cohasset Offers Back-to-School Roadway Safety Tips for Students and Motorists

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As summer comes to a close, Town Manager Christopher Senior, Police Chief William Quigley and Superintendent Pat Sullivan would like to offer students, parents and motorists several important back-to-school safety tips as students prepare to return to school.

“With school beginning once again next Tuesday for Cohasset Public Schools, we would like to remind all community members to exercise extreme caution during their morning and afternoon commutes while students travel to and from school,” Chief Quigley said. “Community members are asked to drive slow, observe posted speed signs and follow the rules of the road to ensure the safety of all.”   

Traveling to and from School

Town Manager Senior would like to share the following tips to help facilitate a safe start to the school year, from the National Safety Council (NSC).

Walking to school:

  • Walk on the sidewalk whenever possible. When on a street with no sidewalk, walk facing traffic.
  • Before crossing the street, stop and look left, right and left again to see if cars are coming.
  • Make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street and always cross streets at crosswalks or intersections.
  • Stay alert and avoid distracted walking. Never walk while texting. If you need to respond to a text, move out of the way of others and stop on the sidewalk. Never cross the street while using an electronic device. Do not wear earbuds while walking across the street.

Riding a bike to school:

  • Ride on the right side of the road in the same direction as traffic, and in single file.
  • Come to a complete stop before crossing the street, and walk bikes across the street.
  • Stay alert and avoid distracted riding.
  • Always wear a properly fitted helmet and bright-colored clothing.
  • Helmets appropriate for bicycling should be worn by everyone – adults and children – on every bike ride regardless of the length of the ride.

Riding the bus to school:

  • Go to the bus stop with your child to teach them the proper way to get on and off the bus.
  • Teach your children to stand 6 feet (or three giant steps) away from the curb.
  • If your child must cross the street in front of the bus, teach him or her to walk on the side of the road until they are 10 feet ahead of the bus. Your child and the bus driver should always be able to see each other.

Safety Tips for Motorists

It is important that motorists be alert while driving, especially in school zones, near playgrounds and parks, and in residential areas.

  • Stay alert and avoid distracted driving.
  • In a school zone when flashers are blinking, stop and yield to pedestrians crossing the crosswalk or intersection. Always stop for a school patrol officer or crossing guard holding up a stop sign.
  • Never pass a bus from behind – or from either direction if you’re on an undivided road – if it is stopped to load or unload children. If the yellow or red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended, traffic must stop. It is illegal in all 50 states to pass a school bus that is stopped to load or unload children.
  • The area 10 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children. Stop far enough back to allow them space to safely enter and exit the bus.
  • Drivers who are dropping students off at school should obey school zone speed limits and follow the school’s drop-off procedures.
  • Don’t block the crosswalk when stopped at a red light or while waiting to make a turn. This forces pedestrians to go around you, which could put them in the path of moving traffic. 
  • Make eye contact with pedestrians who are crossing the street.
  • Don’t honk or rev your engine to scare a pedestrian, even if you have the right of way.
  • Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians.
  • If you’re driving behind a bus, allow a greater following distance than if you were driving behind a car.
  • When passing a bicyclist, proceed in the same direction slowly, and leave 3 feet between your car and the cyclist.
  • A common cause of a collision is a driver turning left in front of a bicyclist. Watch for bike riders turning in front of you without looking or signaling – children especially have a tendency to do this.
  • Watch for bikes coming from driveways or behind parked cars.

Teen Drivers

  • According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2019, over 40% of U.S. high school students did not always wear a seat belt when riding in a car driven by someone else. Ensure your teen understands that every person in a vehicle should be buckled up, no matter where they are sitting or how long the trip. 
  • Teens often crash because they are inexperienced. Have regular conversations with your teen about safe driving practices and laws to ensure they understand the rules of the road.
  • Set a good example by driving the way you want your teen to drive. 
  • Learn more about keeping teen drivers safe here.

The Town of Cohasset wishes everyone a safe and happy return to school!

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Town of Cohasset Shares Tips for Safe Fourth of July Celebrations

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Possession or Use of Fireworks is Illegal in Massachusetts

Town Manager Christopher Senior, Police Chief William Quigley, and Fire Chief John Dockray wish to share several important safety tips and reminders as residents prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday.

According to the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services and State Police, fire departments statewide reported more than 900 fires related to illegal fireworks from 2012 to 2021. In addition to the 43 fire service injuries and $2.1 million in damages attributed to these fires, Massachusetts medical facilities reported 31 severe burn injuries extending to 5% or more of the victims’ bodies that were caused by illegal fireworks.

The possession, use and sale of all fireworks without a professional license is against the law in Massachusetts, and punishable by confiscation, fine, or imprisonment. Fines range from $100 to $1,000, and some violations could carry a one-year prison sentence. It is also illegal for private citizens to purchase fireworks legally elsewhere and then transport them into the state.

Residents are encouraged to report any misuse of fireworks they notice in the community to the Cohasset Police Department at 781-383-1212. In case of a firework-related or other emergency, always dial 911.

Cohasset Police also remind residents to drive and boat safely and while sober. Extra police patrols will be out on the roads and on the water around the Fourth of July holiday to monitor for unsafe and impaired driving/boating. 

The Town, Police and Fire Departments of Cohasset share the following safety tips with residents: 

Drive Safely

  • Be mindful of pedestrians. 
  • Always wear your seatbelt.
  • Do not drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. From 2016 to 2020, there were 1,390 drivers killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes over the Fourth of July holiday period — 41% of the drivers killed were drunk.
  • Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, do not plan on driving. Instead, designate a sober driver or use public transportation or a ride-share service to get home safely.
  • Take keys away from individuals who are under the influence and are planning to drive. Alcohol and drugs can impair perception, judgment, motor skills, and memory, which are critical for safe and responsible driving.
  • If you see a possible impaired driver on the road, call 911.
  • For more tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, click here.

Celebrate Safely

  • Attend organized and permitted fireworks displays only.
  • Remember, alcohol/drugs and fireworks do not mix.
  • Never allow young children to go near fireworks.
  • Keep pets indoors and away from fireworks. The loud noises and flashing lights can be frightening and overwhelming for pets. Pets can become frightened and run from familiar environments and people, becoming lost. Read more here. 

Boat Safely

  • Always wear a life jacket when on the water. Make sure the jacket is a proper fit for your size and weight and that it is properly fastened. The U.S. Coast Guard reports 76% of boating deaths in 2017 were due to drowning and 84% of the victims were not wearing a life jacket.
  • Maintain awareness of your surroundings at all times. 
  • Be courteous and respectful to other boaters. 
  • Travel at a safe speed for the environment and conditions. 
  • Be sure you have and know how to use essential equipment, such as visual distress signals, sound-producing devices, locator devices, fire extinguishers and navigation lights.
  • Check the latest forecast before leaving shore and watch for changing weather. 
  • Take a safe boating course and get a vessel safety check. 
  • Never boat under the influence. Drugs and alcohol impact your cognitive abilities, judgment, balance, coordination, reaction time and vision. Federal law prohibits boating under the influence of alcohol and drugs on all boats. 
  • For more information on safe boating, click here.

Cohasset town officials wish everyone a happy and safe Fourth of July!

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