Latest news with #NickCocchi
Yahoo
7 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
'Flame of Hope' to stop in Hampden County ahead of Special Olympics summer games
LUDLOW, Mass. (WWLP) – The 'Flame of Hope' is making its way across Massachusetts this week as part of the Special Olympics Massachusetts Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) Statewide Final Leg, with a special stop at the Hampden County Sheriff's Office. From Monday to Friday, law enforcement officers and Special Olympics athletes are carrying the symbolic torch throughout the Commonwealth to raise awareness and build excitement for the 2025 Special Olympics Massachusetts Summer Games, taking place June 6-8 at Harvard University. Springfield Police Department marks fifth anniversary of body-worn camera program Now in its third year, the Statewide Final Leg honors athletes from across Massachusetts and recognizes the law enforcement officers who support them. Known as the 'Guardians of the Flame,' officers participating in the run represent their counties and help carry the Special Olympics torch to the Summer Games' opening ceremonies. 'Supporting the Law Enforcement Torch Run and Special Olympics is more than a tradition for us—it's a privilege and a promise,' said Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi. 'It's a promise to stand behind these incredible athletes and to champion a more inclusive and compassionate community. We're proud to carry the Flame of Hope and to show our commitment not just in words, but in action.' Employees of the Hampden County Sheriff's Office will gather outside the facility on Wednesday morning to welcome the Final Leg Team and show their support for the athletes and the values of inclusion and community that the Special Olympics represents. This year's Final Leg team includes 13 participants–10 from law enforcement agencies across the state and three Special Olympics athletes. Among them are two members of the Hampden County Sheriff's Office: Cheri Burton, Hampden County Sheriff's Office Dana Delorenzo, Transit Police Patrick Dooney, Hampden County Sheriff's Office Larry Jedrey, Everett Police Dianne Kirkpatrick, UMass Boston Police Chris Liacos, Gloucester Police Trista Manchuso, Maynard Police Ryan Maxfield, Brandeis University Police Allison McCann, Maynard Police The team also includes these Special Olympics Massachusetts athletes: Dee Cotter, LIFE Cape Cod Anne DeForge, Springfield Ben Regazzo, Mansfield The LETR Final Leg serves as the culmination of year-long Special Olympics events and symbolizes the unified spirit of inclusion, teamwork, and community that defines the Games. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Yahoo
Caller impersonates Hampden County Deputy in latest phone scheme
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The Hampden County Sheriff's Office is warning the public of another reported phone scheme, in which a caller impersonated a Hampden County Deputy and demanded thousands of dollars from residents under false pretenses. Multiple fraud attempts have been reported to the Sheriff's Office in the past week. In this most recent scheme, an individual has impersonated a deputy and told targeted individuals that they are facing some type of legal issue, such as missing a court appearance or failing to comply with a subpoena. Hampden County Sheriff's Office warns of new jury duty scheme The Hampden County Sheriff's Office said that the impersonator then instructed victims to bring approximately $5,000 in cash to the Sheriff's Civil Process Office at 95 Liberty Street in Springfield. By doing so, the impersonator claims that the victim would help them avoid arrest and 'clear the matter up.' Sheriff Nick Cocchi is reminding residents that under no circumstances will a deputy call and demand payment, especially not in cash or at the civil process office. 'This is at least the third version of a scam we've seen this week alone,' Sheriff Cocchi said. 'It's aggressive, it's deceitful, and it's designed to make people panic. These scammers are deliberately using the Sheriff's name and real office locations to make their scheme more convincing—but it's 100% fake. If someone calls and demands money from you in the name of law enforcement, hang up and call your local police department immediately.' Residents should keep in mind that law enforcement agencies will never threaten arrest over the phone or instruct anyone to bring cash to a facility. It is also important to remember that Caller ID can be fraudulent, so even if it reads 'Sheriff's Office,' that may not be the true identity of the caller. Residents can verify by calling the Hampden County Sheriff's Office directly. If you receive this fraudulent call or one similar, do not follow the instructions or provide any information. Simply hang up and report the occurrence to your local law enforcement agency. These schemes often target older adults and vulnerable individuals, so the Sheriff's Office is encouraging residents to do their part in spreading awareness and protecting all members of the community. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Yahoo
Hampden County Sheriffs Office launches ‘Life Jacket Loaner Program' to prevent tragedies in our region's waterways
SOUTH HADLEY, Mass. (WWLP) – As the search continues for a missing canoeist on the Connecticut River near Holyoke, the Hampden County Sheriff's Office launched a new program to prevent further tragedies. The sheriff's office launched a new 'Life Jacket Loaner' program. It aims to provide life jackets for those who may not have them readily available while out on the water. As we gear up for summer activities on the water, the Hampden County Sheriff's Office is making sure people keep safety top of mind. Whether you're on a boat or a jet ski, accidents can happen, and we've seen this recently. Sheriff Nick Cocchi says a couple went canoeing in the Connecticut River without the use of a life preserver. 'The individual who went in just the other day was not a good swimmer. The person who survived was We don't want to put that at risk,' said Sheriff Cocchi. That's when the Sheriff's Office started the Life Jacket Loaner Program. With the help of a nearly $5,000 grant from the Sea Tow Foundation, the program is putting life preservers in areas where people can borrow and return them for free. Wearing a life jacket can help save your life and help bring everyone home after a fun day in the water by preventing drowning. 'Frankly, the temperature of the water. The power of the current is not conducive to even a good swimmer getting themselves to shore,' said Sheriff Cocchi. A life jacket loaner station was installed at Brunelle's Marina in South Hadley, an area known to have boaters. It will be managed by the HCSO Marine Patrol Unit, trained in marine operations and emergency response. 'If something did happen while you're in there, there's some kind of sounding device. Some are bright in color, as you see the ones over on the side here, they're yellow. You could see that we know someone's in the water. It's very easy to be spotted and they'll keep you above the water the best they can,' said Captain of Lady Bea at Brunelle's Marina, Jamie Brunelle. The goal is to get people to stay buoyant long enough until first responders arrive. The sheriff's office will be monitoring the inventory and holding people accountable for returning the life preservers. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Yahoo
Hampden County Sheriff's Office warns of new jury duty scheme
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – The Hampden County Sheriff's Office is warning residents about a fake caller claiming to be from their department. Warning: Schemers posing as West Springfield police chief demand money The scheme involves a caller saying there was a legal issue involving jury duty paperwork. In one incident, a mother received a phone call saying that there was an issue with her paperwork. The mother got her adult daughter on the line as she was concerned. The schemer cut the mother out of the call and focused only on the daughter. The schemer told her she needed to report to the jail in person to verify her signature. The caller insisted she stay on the phone the whole time, which is an alarming tactic often used in coercion and abduction schemes to isolate and control victims. The call seemed convincing, using legal-sounding language and referencing real institutions to make it seem legitimate. Sheriff Nick Cocchi says the scheme is deeply troubling and that no deputy from his office will ever call a resident to resolve legal matters. 'This kind of scam is deeply troubling,' said Sheriff Cocchi. 'It's not just about stealing money—it's about exploiting people's trust, their concern for loved ones, and using fear to manipulate them. The fact that the scammer tried to isolate the victim and keep her on the phone raises serious red flags. Let me be clear: no deputy from my office will ever call you to resolve legal matters, demand payment, or tell you to come to the jail over the phone. That's just not how we operate.' If you get a call like this, hang up, and contact the sheriff's office right away at (413) 858-0000. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Yahoo
Sheriff visits Springfield school to discuss safe decision making ahead of prom
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi will talk to students at Duggan Academy in Springfield on Monday. Sheriff Cocchi's office says he'll share the lessons of his personal experience, urging students to stay safe through graduation season and the summertime. 'Stop The Swerve' puts spotlight on impaired driving 'I made a mistake, and I own that. But I also believe that leadership means being honest—even when it's uncomfortable—and using every opportunity to help others learn from your experience,' Sheriff Cocchi said. 'If sharing my story makes just one student stop and think before making a potentially dangerous decision, then it's worth it. These young people are on the edge of a bright future, and I want them to get there safely,' Sheriff Cocchi shared. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
