Holyoke police sent their newly-reinstated K-9 unit to Boston to help in wake of the explosions.
SPRINGFIELD -- Police have stepped up patrols in key areas of the city following the bombings that took the lives of three people and injured more than 170 at the Boston Marathon Monday.
“Patrols were told to give notice to public buildings, stores, things like that,” Sgt. John M. Delaney said. “It’s more or less to make people feel safe. We don’t expect anything.”
The department’s K-9 units have been patrolling such areas as the federal building and the Peter Pan bus station, said Delaney, aide to Commissioner William J. Fitchet.
Because it’s school vacation week, patrols have been augmented by the department’s school resource officers.
Springfield police, meanwhile, have offered their services to their counterparts in Boston. “If they need us they will call,” Delaney said.
In Holyoke, the police department’s newly-reinstated K-9 unit, Officer Matthew Welch and 15-month-old Ryker, have deployed to Boston, Lt. Matthew Moriarty said.