Needham Police Department

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Needham, MA
Needham Police Department

Needham Police Department provides Law Enforcement, Public Safety & Service to the Town of Needham.
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09/05/2026

After an incredible 19 years of dedicated service, Crossing Guard Cheryl Salemy is hanging up her stop sign!

For nearly two decades, Cheryl has been a familiar and trusted face to generations of Needham students and families, serving at both Pollard Middle School and Mitchell Elementary School.

Being a crossing guard means much more than simply holding a stop sign. It means showing up every morning and afternoon with making sure our kids get where they’re going safely. For 19 years, Cheryl did exactly that.

Through the bitter cold, pouring rain, snow, heat, and everything New England weather could throw her way, Cheryl remained steadfast at her post. Thousands of students have crossed safely under her watch over the years, many growing from young elementary school students into graduates and adults.

The Needham Police Department would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Cheryl for her 19 years of commitment and dedication to the safety of Needham’s children.

09/04/2026

It is with great sadness that the Needham Police Department shares the passing of retired Sergeant Richard I. Grudinskas, age 78, who passed away on Monday, August 31.

Sergeant Grudinskas dedicated an extraordinary 43 years of service to the Needham Police Department, retiring at the rank of Sergeant.

At the age of 54, while still serving as a Needham Police Officer and working his shifts, he attended the Massachusetts School of Law, graduating at the top of his class and earning his Juris Doctor degree.

Even retirement did not bring an end to his service to the Needham community. Richard went on to work as a member of the security staff at North Hill in Needham, where he became a trusted and well-loved presence among residents and staff.

Above all, Richard was a husband, father and grandfather. He leaves behind his beloved wife and lifelong sweetheart, Wendy, his children Amy, Amanda and Matthew, his grandchildren Jonathan and Rebecca, his siblings Catherine and Benjamin, and many extended family members and friends.

Forty-three years of service represents an incredible portion of a life dedicated to others.

We extend our deepest condolences to Wendy, the entire Grudinskas family, and all those who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside Richard.

Rest easy, Sergeant.

09/03/2026

The Needham Police Department is aware that our business/non-emergency phone number, 781-455-7570, has been spoofed and is currently being used to call residents in and around Needham.

What makes this scam particularly convincing is that your caller ID may actually display “Town of Needham” or our legitimate phone number. However, the call is NOT coming from the Needham Police Department.

Please remember:

⚠️ The Needham Police Department will NEVER call you and demand immediate payment for fines, tickets, warrants, or other legal matters.

⚠️ We will NEVER threaten you with arrest if you don’t immediately send money.

⚠️ Never provide credit card, banking, gift card, cryptocurrency, or other financial information to someone making these demands over the phone.

When in doubt, hang up.

If you are ever concerned that a call from the Needham Police Department may be legitimate, simply hang up and redial 781-455-7570. This will connect you directly with our Public Safety Dispatchers, who can verify whether someone from our department was attempting to contact you.

If you received one of these fraudulent calls AND provided money or financial information, please contact the Needham Police Department at 781-455-7570 to report it.

Please take a moment to share this information, particularly with family members, friends, or neighbors who may be more vulnerable to these types of scams.

09/02/2026

For those who may not know Dina Hannigan, we wanted to take a moment to introduce you to someone who has quietly made a difference for a lot of people, and has never asked for a single bit of recognition in return.

On more than one occasion, Dina has graciously covered the cost of Rocket stuffed animals so they could be given to staff and patients spending time at BID Needham while they focused on getting better.

And now, that kindness is traveling a little farther.

Dina has once again stepped up, helping us bring Rocket stuffed animals to Boston Children’s Hospital in Needham, where they can provide a little comfort, a smile, or simply something soft to hold for some of our youngest community members while they receive care.

There is something incredibly special about a person who sees an opportunity to make someone else’s day a little easier and simply says, “I’ll take care of it.”

That’s Dina.

She doesn’t do this for a Facebook post. She doesn’t do it for recognition, likes, or a thank-you. In fact, we’re pretty sure she’d be perfectly happy if nobody ever knew.

But we think people like Dina deserve to be known.

Because behind every Rocket stuffed animal handed to a child or patient is a reminder that someone in their community was thinking about them, even if they had never met.

Dina, thank you.

Thank you for believing in what Rocket does. Thank you for helping us bring a little comfort outside the walls of the Police Department. And most importantly, thank you for showing us what quiet, genuine kindness looks like.

09/01/2026

Tomorrow is the first day of school, Needham!

It’s going to be an emotional day for everyone.

🍎 Teachers will be sad to see summer end.
🎉 Parents will be rejoicing as the buses roll away.
💪 And somewhere in Needham, a parent will discover a level of upper-body strength they never knew existed while attempting to remove a child who has suddenly developed a death grip on the family vehicle.

Whether your child skips into school, cries the whole way, or has to be peeled from the back seat one finger at a time, we’re all going to make it. The mimosa may just have to wait a few extra minutes.

On a serious note, please give yourself some extra time tomorrow morning. Our officers will be out around the schools, and there will be plenty of excited (and perhaps slightly less than excited) kids walking, biking, crossing streets, and waiting at bus stops.

Slow down, stay off your phone, watch the crosswalks, and please be patient with one another.

Good luck to our students, teachers, staff and especially the parents working on their grip strength tonight.

Happy First Day of School, Needham!

08/31/2026

A 64-quart bin filled to the top with school supplies, along with three new backpacks and everything three awesome kids need to start the school year off right.

When we learned that a family we’ve gotten to know over the years could use a little extra support heading into the new school year, we were happy to help.

A huge thank you to the Needham Police Union, which graciously covered the entire cost of the backpacks, lunchboxes, water bottles, and school supplies.

You won’t see the backpacks in the photo. The kids picked out designs that are pretty specific to their personalities and interests, and protecting their privacy is far more important than getting the perfect picture.

Our hope is that these three kids walk through those school doors feeling confident, prepared, and excited for what’s ahead. Get ready to learn, make friends, create memories, and have a great year!

Sometimes a little extra support can make a big difference so thank you, Needham!

08/30/2026

With just a couple days to go, Dr. G is absolutely reveling in the fact that class is almost back in session.

He’s sharpened his teaching stick and is ready to restore order, particularly when it comes to Mr. Garlick, who is clearly not paying attention and has instead decided to perfect his paper-airplane technique.

Meanwhile, Mr. Bayse is diligently taking notes, smiling, and quietly confident that he will be the far superior (and best-dressed) student in the class.

Rocket slept in so he has some make up work to do to start the week!

Dr. G certainly has his work cut out for him this year.

All jokes aside, school starts this week. Please slow down and give yourself a few extra minutes during your morning commute. Kids will be waiting at bus stops, crossing streets, riding bikes, and walking to school.

Slow down. Stay alert. Expect kids everywhere.

Let’s make it a safe start to the school year, Needham!

08/28/2026

Yesterday afternoon, the Needham Police and Fire Departments responded to a motor vehicle crash involving an e-bike that resulted in injuries and a transport to the hospital.

We will not be releasing additional information regarding the incident, but we want to use this opportunity to remind parents and young riders about the very real risks associated with e-bikes.

E-bikes are becoming increasingly popular with our younger residents. They are heavier, faster, and can accelerate much more quickly than a traditional bicycle. At those speeds, mistakes can have serious consequences.

Parents, PLEASE talk with your children about these important safety reminders:

• Stay off sidewalks. E-bikes are not permitted on sidewalks and riders must follow the rules of the road.

• Wear a helmet. Massachusetts law requires helmets for riders and passengers 16 and younger. We strongly encourage helmets for everyone.

• Watch driveways and parking lots. Slow down anywhere vehicles may be pulling in or out. Drivers may have limited visibility and may not anticipate how quickly an e-bike is approaching at 15 or 20 mph. Never assume a driver sees you.

• Be visible. Use proper lighting and wear bright or reflective clothing.

• Follow traffic laws. Stop at red lights and stop signs, ride with traffic, yield when required, and ride predictably.

• Put the phone away. Keep your attention on the road and your surroundings.

• Know what your child is riding. Understand the speed and capabilities of their e-bike before they ride.

With school beginning next week, we’re asking drivers and riders alike to slow down, pay attention, and look out for one another.

Drivers: take an extra look before pulling out of a driveway, parking lot, or making a turn.

Riders: being able to see a vehicle does not mean the driver can see you.

Parents, please have the conversation BEFORE they ride. Share this post.

Tragedies involving e-bikes are happening across the Commonwealth, and we want to do everything we can to prevent one here in Needham.

08/27/2026

Tonight at 6:30 p.m., we invite our community to join us at the Memorial Park Gazebo for Needham’s 5th Annual Overdose Awareness Vigil.

Needham is fortunate to be a safe, supportive and affluent community, but substance use disorder and overdose does not recognize town lines, income levels, professions, or family backgrounds. They impact every community, including ours.

As police officers, we have seen these tragedies firsthand. We have responded to overdoses, administered lifesaving Naloxone, supported families during some of their most difficult moments, and witnessed the lasting impact the loss of a loved one can have.

Tonight’s vigil is a relatively short event from 6:30–7:15 p.m, but an incredibly meaningful one. It is an opportunity to remember those we have lost, stand beside the families and friends who continue to grieve, support those in recovery, and remind anyone struggling that there is hope and help available.

We are proud to stand alongside the Needham Public Health Division, Needham Youth & Family Services, SPAN, Needham Fire Department, Learn to Cope, Clear Steps Recovery, and the many other community organizations and partners who make this evening possible.

Free Naloxone and Naloxone training will also be available, along with speakers, music and community resource tables.

We hope to see you tonight.

08/26/2026

Happy National Dog Day from Rocket & Ghost!

With everything going on in the world, we figured everyone’s newsfeed could use a few more dogs today.

After a long day of work, there’s nothing quite like coming home to a wagging tail. Dogs have an incredible way of reducing stress, lifting our spirits, getting us moving, and reminding us to enjoy the simple things.

So today, Rocket & Ghost have one request:
- Fill this thread with pictures of your dogs! Working dogs, family dogs, puppies, seniors, rescues, we want to see them all.

(Bonus points for the dogs who act like they’re the ones who had a long day at work.)

Happy National Dog Day from all of us at the Needham Police Department!

Address

88 Chestnut Street
Needham, MA
02492

Telephone

+17814557570

Website

http://www.needhamma.gov/78/Police, https://linktr.ee/needham_police

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