Meet Winthrop’s Newest Sergeant: Mary Crisafi Becomes First Woman in Winthrop Police to Achieve Rank

Town Clerk Carla Vitale administers the oath of office to Mary Crisafi, who was promoted to the rank of sergeant in the Winthrop Police Department. Looking on (left) is Winthrop Police Chief Terence Delehanty.

Mary Crisafi received the first of several warm ovations from the audience minutes before she accepted the oath from Town Clerk Carla Vitale.

There was prolonged and hearty applause heard in the Cummings School meeting room when Council President Peter Gill called upon Crisafi to step forward and  make history in the Winthrop Police Department as its first female sergeant.

Town Manager James McKenna offered his thoughts on a momentous occasion in the town’s history.

“We’re obviously overjoyed at this event for the town, for Mary, and for all of us in this community who regard Mary as an exemplary officer of the town of Winthrop and well deserving of this promotion and tribute to her past and recent successes,” said McKenna.

McKenna said Crisafi was a graduate of Winthrop High School and appointed a reserve officer in September, 1996 and promoted to full-time status on Feb. 17, 1998.

She was a school resource officer at the Winthrop Middle School and serves as the department’s liaison to the town schools and on the domestic violence regional task force.

“It’s a great, great privilege and honor tonight to appoint Mary Crisafi sergeant of the department – the first woman to be named sergeant in the department in its long history and it’s about time.”

Police Chief Terence Delehanty said it was a very important week for the department, the administration, and the town.

“I thank the councilors and the town manager for their support in my leadership in the police department and trying to make this a better place to life and certainly Mary is indicative of what type of police officer we want to serve our community,” said Delehanty.

“This is a great day in the town of Winthrop and my administration as we celebration the promotion of Mary Crisafi to the rank of sergeant,” the chief said. “The department in this day and age should be as diversified as the populace that it serves. This is the first step in making sure my command staff and supervisory staff are also a mirror reflection of this community.”

Delehanty said it was night to celebrate Mary Crisafi for her accomplishments. He added that Crisafi “has had her share of hurdles and obstacles to overcome in recent years – which personally attests to her fortitude and eternal strength. Above all Mary is a great mother, daughter, sister, and friend.”

After taking her oath of office, having her son, Dante, pin the sergeant badge on her uniform, and Gill present a congratulatory citation, Crisafi addressed the assemblage.

“I’d just like to thank the Council, the Council President, the town manager, the chief and all the men and women I work with,” said Crisafi. “We have a great team. I will try my best to fulfill the confidence you’ve given me. And I’m really excited and I appreciate it.”

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