Melrose Police Receives Donation for Community Response Program

The Melrose Police Department received $1,500 from Golden Living Centers and St. Michael’s Law Enforcement Organization for its Melrose Alert Community Response Program. The generous contributions, presented to the department on Sept. 25, will be used to support the initiative, which is modeled after the state’s Silver Alert program.

It is designed to pre-plan a rapid response to locate cognitively impaired residents who are at risk of wandering and becoming lost. By collecting vital information in a database about the person, authorities will be able to locate loved ones who go missing faster and more efficiently.

“These donations are certainly beneficial to help run and sustain the Melrose Alert program,” Chief Michael Lyle said. “We are thankful to Golden LivingCenters and St. Michael’s Law Enforcement for their generosity.”

Golden LivingCenters, located in Melrose, donated $1,000 to the program as a way to help one of the city’s most vulnerable populations. Information on the Melrose Alert program will also be available in their facilities in surrounding communities.

“We are committed to assisting the Melrose Police Department spread the word about their program,” said Paula Weiner, director of admissions/sales and marketing for Golden LivingCenters. “Our mission is to improve the quality of life for residents through innovative healthcare initiatives and we know Melrose Alert will be truly beneficial to the city.”

St. Michael’s Law Enforcement Organization, a nonprofit that began in May and works to support public safety officials, their families and their initiatives, contributed $500 to the Melrose Alert program.

“This program is going to help Melrose residents suffering from Alzheimer’s disease stay safe,” said Robert Morrison, president of St. Michael’s Law Enforcement Organization. “We are pleased to be able to give back to police by supporting this community endeavor.”