Barrington police officers answer the call to help collect toys

Police chief commends the efforts of Det. Ben Ferreira and Patrolman Josh Melo

Posted 12/20/17

Barrington Police Chief John LaCross is praising the work of two officers this holiday season.

Det. Ben Ferreira and Patrolman Josh Melo have organized a special Toys for Tots toy drive in town …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Register to post events


If you'd like to post an event to our calendar, you can create a free account by clicking here.

Note that free accounts do not have access to our subscriber-only content.

Day pass subscribers

Are you a day pass subscriber who needs to log in? Click here to continue.


Barrington police officers answer the call to help collect toys

Police chief commends the efforts of Det. Ben Ferreira and Patrolman Josh Melo

Posted

Barrington Police Chief John LaCross is praising the work of two officers this holiday season.

Det. Ben Ferreira and Patrolman Josh Melo have organized a special Toys for Tots toy drive in town for the last few years, and this year delivered dozens and dozens of new toys to Rhode Island children in need.

"I just think the compassion displayed by those officers is outstanding," said Chief LaCross. "They did this all on their own."

Det. Ferreira and Officer Melo were searching for a way to connect with the community a few years back when they settled on organizing a toy drive. They coordinated with the Toys for Tots campaign, which is run through the US Marine Corp. 

Over the years, the local toy collection effort has grown, and this year, the police officers were stunned by the number of toys that were donated.

"We even had a $100 donation," said Det. Ferreira. 

The two officers collected toys at the station on Federal Road and held special events outside the Shaw's Supermarket in the Barrington Shopping Center and at the Barrington Glows tree lighting event at the town hall. The officers let children sit inside a cruiser and handed out stickers of police patches to the youngsters.

"The interaction with the community was great," said Det. Ferreira. "It was one of those times when you get to have a positive connection with the community."

In addition, the department was able to collect more than 100 new toys. Last week, the officers delivered the toys to the Toys for Tots organizers in Providence.

"It's growing every year," Det. Ferreira said.

Chief LaCross said the local toy collection effort is entirely voluntary. The chief also credited the community for stepping up and donating toys. 

On Wednesday, Dec. 13, Chief LaCross penned a letter of appreciation to Det. Ferreira and Officer Melo. In the letter, he wrote "This program was a great community engagement effort on behalf of both officers which enhances a greater trust and connection with our community we are sworn to serve."

2024 by East Bay Media Group

Barrington · Bristol · East Providence · Little Compton · Portsmouth · Tiverton · Warren · Westport
Meet our staff
MIKE REGO

Mike Rego has worked at East Bay Newspapers since 2001, helping the company launch The Westport Shorelines. He soon after became a Sports Editor, spending the next 10-plus years in that role before taking over as editor of The East Providence Post in February of 2012. To contact Mike about The Post or to submit information, suggest story ideas or photo opportunities, etc. in East Providence, email mrego@eastbaymediagroup.com.