NEWS

Ludlow Police Share Hot Weather Safety Tips Amid Heat Wave

June 23, 2025 by Camryn Langille

The National Weather Service has reported that dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 110 degrees are expected through 8 p.m. tomorrow, June 24.

Risk of heat-related illnesses increases significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events such as this.

To help residents keep themselves and their loved ones safe, the department would like to share the following hot weather safety tips from the American Red Cross:

Stay cool: Find shade and minimize direct sun exposure.
Dress appropriately: Wear loose-fitting, sun-protecting clothing, and apply sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher about 30 minutes prior to going outside.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water, and avoid sugary, alcoholic and caffeinated beverages.
Hot cars can be deadly: It is never safe to leave a child, disabled person, or pet in your vehicle. Cars can quickly reach 100-degree temperatures, leaving unattended passengers vulnerable to sudden heat-related illnesses.
Check on your pets: Check on animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Make sure they have plenty of cool water. Do not leave your animals outdoors unattended for more than 15 minutes. Be cautious of hot surfaces such as asphalt or pavement, which can harm your pet’s paws during walks.
Learn emergency skills: Learn how to recognize and respond to heat illnesses. Gather emergency supplies in case of a power outage or other emergency.

The department reminds the community that maintaining health and safety during a heat advisory is everyone’s responsibility. Stay vigilant and keep an eye on yourself and those around you. Although the hot weather may seem like a great opportunity to spend time outdoors, keep in mind that heat-related illnesses can affect anyone if not taken seriously.

Ludlow Police Officers Matthew Dent and Oguzhan Karaaslan Honored with MADD Massachusetts OUI Excellence Award

June 12, 2025 by Camryn Langille

Chief Daniel Valadas and the Ludlow Police Department are proud to announce that Officers Matthew Dent and Oguzhan Karaaslan were honored with OUI Excellence Awards from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) for their outstanding commitment to impaired driving enforcement.

MADD Massachusetts recognized more than 50 law enforcement officials during the Annual Law Enforcement Recognition Ceremony on Tuesday morning at the Devens Common Center. In addition to OUI Excellence Awards, MADD recognized the Officer of the Year, Trooper of the Year, Drug Recognition Expert of the Year, MADD Lifetime Achievement Award and Unit of the Year.

Officers Dent and Karaaslan were nominated for the award by Chief Valadas. The officers had the most OUI-drug and alcohol arrests for Ludlow Police in 2024.

“Officers Dent and Karaaslan are valuable members of our department. They consistently demonstrate their dedication to keeping our community and roadways safe, which is reflected by this award,” said Chief Valadas. “I thank them for their continued work and congratulate them on this achievement.”

MADD Massachusetts annually honors officers, departments and prosecutors from across the Commonwealth who have gone above and beyond in the fight against drunk and drugged driving.

Ludlow Police Officers Matthew Dent (left) and Oguzhan Karaaslan were recognized by MADD with OUI Excellence Awards on Tuesday, June 3. (Photo Courtesy Ludlow Police)

Ludlow Police Department Commemorates National Police Week

May 14, 2025 by Kayla Rochon

National Police Week, which occurs this year between May 11 and 17, honors law enforcement officers who have given their lives in the line of duty. It is a time to recognize and pay homage to the sacrifices made to keep communities safe and an opportunity to support the colleagues and families of officers who have given their lives.

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund reported that since the first recorded police death in 1786, there have been over 24,000 police officers killed in the line of duty. With over 800,000 law enforcement officers currently serving in the United States, there are plenty of people to thank for protecting our communities. During this week, please extend your appreciation to local police officers by thanking them for their duty, or show gratitude to those who lost their lives in service by attending a local memorial service.

Ludlow Police Share Information Regarding Road Closures in Center Street Area

May 7, 2025 by Payton Hebert

LUDLOW — The Ludlow Police Department reports that a section of Center Street will be closed from Wednesday, May 7, until Friday, May 9, due to construction in the area.

Center Street will be closed from Booth Street to the Lyons/Miller Street intersection.

Police are asking that drivers seek alternate routes during this time.

Further updates will be communicated on the Ludlow Police Facebook page, which can be accessed here.

The Department would like to thank the community for their patience and cooperation during this time.

Ludlow Police Arrest and Charge Man with Numerous Motor Vehicle Offenses After Pursuit and Crash

May 2, 2025 by Kayla Rochon

LUDLOW — Chief Daniel Valadas reports that the Ludlow Police Department arrested and charged a Springfield man with numerous motor vehicle offenses following a vehicle pursuit and crash.

JOVANNI COLON RODIRGUEZ, AGE 22, OF SPRINGFIELD, was arrested and charged with:

Failure to Stop for Police
Uninsured Motor Vehicle
Operating with a Suspended License
Negligent Operation of Motor Vehicle
Resisting Arrest
Unregistered Motor Vehicle
Operating a Vehicle with Suspended Registration
Operating without an Inspection Sticker
Failure to Stop or Yield
Speeding
Possession of Marijuana Outside of a Residence

On Tuesday, April 29, at approximately 8:54 p.m., a Ludlow Police officer who was on patrol in the area of West Street saw a vehicle traveling approximately 50 mph in a 30 mph zone, nearly striking another vehicle.

The officer learned that the vehicle’s registration had been revoked and that the driver, later identified as COLON RODRIGUEZ, had an outstanding warrant, and the officer attempted to make a stop.

COLON RODRIGUEZ failed to stop, fleeing over the town line into Springfield. An officer broke off pursuit for safety reasons, but eventually came across the vehicle, which had crashed at Pasco Road and Boston Road in Springfield.

COLON RODRIGUEZ attempted to flee the scene but was caught and arrested after a brief struggle.

COLON RODRIGUEZ was booked at the Ludlow Police Station and released on personal recognizance bail. He will be arraigned at a later date in Palmer District Court.

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