LYNN — As the snow begins to melt and the city shifts from storm mode into recovery, there’s a sense of perspective settling in alongside the drifts. The blizzard may have brought fierce winds and whiteout conditions, but it also highlighted something steady and reassuring: a community working together to stay safe.
For the Lynn Police Department, the mission during a storm looks very different from that of the Department of Public Works. “Well, my primary concern is always public safety,” Chief Christopher Reddy explained, noting that this responsibility extends not just to residents, but to officers themselves.
The conditions overnight were described as “treacherous,” with very poor visibility. In moments like that, simply being out on the roads required caution, coordination, and care.
Support across departments becomes essential. The fire department, for example, plays a quiet but meaningful role during severe weather.
“They allowed our officers to pull up at their fire stations when conditions are really bad, and they can go in and use the bathroom, they’ll grab a cup of coffee, and that can be helpful,” Reddy said.
That spirit of cooperation allows officers to remain visible throughout the city, positioned to respond to emergencies even though “they certainly can’t go at the speed they might in a normal condition,” Reddy stated.
While patrols are limited during the worst parts of a storm with a focus primarily on urgent calls, officers also work closely with DPW and the Parking Department. Their roles included helping remove vehicles or hazards that prevent plows from doing their job.
“It could be motorists. It could be pedestrians. It could be any type of hazard that is impeding their ability to clear the streets,” he said.
Communication between departments remains constant, ensuring that streets can be cleared as safely and efficiently as possible.
Even as snow continued to fall, morale remained strong. There’s a shared understanding that winter storms are simply part of life here.
“We’re all New Englanders,” Reddy stated, adding that officers are reminded how much the community relies on them. Leadership makes a point to personally thank teams at roll calls, expressing appreciation for their dedication. In the end, professionalism carries the day.
Now, in the aftermath, the focus has shifted. Recovery can sometimes test patience more than the storm itself. Frustrations run high, cars may have been towed, power may still be out, or tensions may flare between neighbors over snow removal. “People have a very short fuse right now,” Reddy acknowledged. In these situations, officers prioritize de-escalation, working to separate parties and help them “come to some common understanding.”
At the same time, efforts continue to clear lots and roadways, move vehicles, and identify owners. Officers are also reminding residents to limit travel when possible and to stay alert if walking in the street due to blocked sidewalks.
Messaging is shared both in person and through media and social platforms, all with the goal of keeping everyone informed and safe.
Above all, officials are asking for patience. “We all need to show some grace, we all need to have patience, and when weather like this happens, it’s beyond any of our control,” Reddy stated.
From DPW crews and parking officials to police, fire, and elected leaders, the entire city workforce has been pushing to restore normalcy, to clear streets, reopen schools, and reduce traffic hazards.
“It’s not the first snowstorm, and it won’t be the last,” Deputy Chief Christopher Kelly added. “ A major credit to the men and women of the Lynn Police Department, their dedication coming into work in those difficult conditions to serve the community.”
Thanks to that dedication and to cooperation across departments and neighborhoods, the storm’s aftermath feels a little more manageable, and the path back to normal a little clearer.
Photo: Spenser Hasak | Purchase this photo
Photo: Spenser Hasak | Purchase this photo
Photo: Spenser Hasak | Purchase this photo
Photo: Spenser Hasak | Purchase this photo
Photo: Spenser Hasak | Purchase this photo
