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Norfolk County (MA) Sheriff Patrick McDermott was in Washington D.C. this month to take his place as a founding member of the National Police Activities/Athletic League’s Chiefs’ and Sheriffs’ Council. “Sheriff McDermott’s dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of the young people he serves makes him a valuable member of the Council,” said National PAL CEO Chris Hill, who built a PAL chapter in New Jersey while serving as a police sergeant. McDermott was the only Massachusetts official selected for the council, which also includes the chiefs of Santa Barbara, California and Washington D.C. police departments. Above, McDermott was welcomed on to the new Chiefs' and Sheriff’s Council of the National Police Athletic/Activities League by the group’s leaders. From left are CEO Chris Hill, Sheriff McDermott, Board of Directors President Kenneth Ragland, and Executive Director Stephen Coan.
Chief William Miller reports that the Bellingham Fire Department and crews from many neighboring communities worked for more than five hours Sunday to contain a sprawling mulch and brush fire. There were no injuries. Bellingham firefighters first received a call around 8:40 a.m. Sunday, April 20, about a mulch fire at D&D Mulch and Landscape, 236 Maple St. Crews quickly responded to the industrial property to attack a fire at two 10,000-yard mulch piles, which Miller said likely was caused by spontaneous combustion. Immediately firefighters requested regional assistance, with more than a dozen other departments, including Medway, providing some form of mutual aid. Soon the fire jumped to nearby brush, and 6-1/2 acres were consumed. It took until 2 p.m. for firefighters to declare things under control. The fire claimed an excavator and a wheel loader from D&D. No buildings were damaged. Some fire departments' hose lines were knocked out of service. Franklin firefighters covered Bellingham’s stations during the event.
A reader also reported a possible brush fire on Grove Street Sunday morning but, according to Deputy Franklin Fire Chief Joseph Barbieri, crews investigated some reports from that area but found nothing. He concluded that some smoke had likely drifted from the Bellingham incident.
Thursday evening, around 10:30, Franklin Fire units on scene at a Mucciarone Road address reported a Hazmat condition and summoned the appropriate team. When the experts arrived the situation was deemed to be not hazardous.
Who Knew?
Spaceweather.com is reporting that recent high-energy geomagnetic storms -- like the ones that can cause auroras to appear in the sky -- have even been creating measurable electrical currents in the ground in parts of North America. Shocking!
A Conn Job?
A report from Connecticut states that at a recent Tax Equity Caucus press conference in the Nutmeg state, a hot mic picked up State Rep, Anne Hughes making a side comment to a colleague, "'Tax My People. They Won't Even Notice." Well, now they will...
Merch!
The Healey-Driscoll Administration has announced the launch of the official online store for Massachusetts 250 merchandise, featuring apparel and accessories that invite residents and visitors to show off their revolutionary spirit and commemorate Massachusetts’s prominent role in American history.
“Massachusetts 250 is more than a tribute to the past –it's a call to honor our incredible communities, highlight our state’s contributions to the nation’s founding, and create opportunities for future leaders,” said Governor Maura Healey. “With the opening of our store, we’re inviting everyone to join us in celebrating this legacy and wearing this merchandise that brings our history to life.”