Wilmington Police To Stop Parades After Reopening Monday

WILMINGTON, MA — The Wilmington Police Department will no longer participate in parades beginning Monday, Chief Joseph Desmond said Thursday. When the state begins reopening Monday, Desmond said, the department will no longer have time.

Over the last two months Wilmington police and firefighters have taken part in parades celebrating occasions like birthdays and retirements, with normal celebrations impossible due to social distancing requirements. But beginning May 18, the department will have more to do, Desmond said.

"The Wilmington Police Department will need to redirect their objectives back to delivering the highest quality of emergency services to the Town of Wilmington," he said.

"Every Police Officer and Firefighter has been honored to be a part of your special occasion over the last two months," Desmond continued. "We would like to wish everyone a happy and healthy birthday as we continue to navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic."

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Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.