Michael L. Lyle, Chief
56 W. Foster St.
Melrose, MA 02176
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Saturday, July 23, 2016
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Melrose Police and Human Rights Commission Issue Statement on Recent Acts of Violence in Nation
The Melrose Police Department (MPD) and members of the Melrose Human Rights Commission (MHRC) are mindful of the recent acts of hate and intolerance around the country and that residents in Melrose may be concerned and affected here at home.
Over the course of the last couple of weeks, we have seen too many lives lost to violence and intolerance. These hateful acts have no place in this city or throughout our country. The senseless acts of violence toward individuals due to their race, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity, or toward police officers themselves, are extremely troubling and saddening, and are attacks on society itself.
We grieve with the families of those who are suffering the loss of loved ones and we honor the lives of the fallen police officers who tragically died protecting their communities. Let us recommit to our shared values, our collective dignity, and concentrate on what we can do to maintain a strong and inclusive community.
The mission of the MPD has been and will always be centered on a commitment to strengthen positive relationships with our residents. The MPD cares about this community, works with this community, and is a part of this community. The department promotes an all-inclusive culture that is representative of the residents who call this city home and every member of the MPD remains vigilant in maintaining a community that is safe and welcoming to all. If you encounter a criminal act, please call 781-665-1212, or 9-1-1 in the event of an emergency.
The MHRC is committed to cultivating a positive atmosphere in the community and promoting understanding of diverse cultures and issues through education and community action. It was created to address issues of human and civil rights, with the goals of preventing problems before they arise and of resolving them if they do. If you encounter an act of discrimination, please call the MHRC hotline at 617-979-4140 or email MHRC at melrosehrc@cityofmelrose.org. To stay up-to-date on MHRC meetings and initiatives, visit https://www.facebook.com/MelroseHRC/.
Signed,
Chief Michael Lyle
Melrose Police Department
Adam C. LaFrance
Chair, Melrose Human Rights Commission
Kristina Racek Pechulis
Vice Chair, Melrose Human Rights Commission
Shawn MacMaster
Melrose Human Rights Commission
Manisha Bewtra
Melrose Human Rights Commission, Secretary
Rabbi Arnie Fertig
Melrose Human Rights Commission
Edward Schmitt
Melrose Human Rights Commission
Mathew Helman
Melrose Human Rights Commission
Maya Jamaleddine
Melrose Human Rights Commission
Kathy Harlow
Melrose Human Rights Commission