Category: GPD

The Groveland Police Department is shadowing school buses along their routes to ensure drivers are obeying state laws. (Courtesy Photo Georgetown Police)

GROVELAND — To ensure children are able to safely enter and exit their school buses, and that drivers are aware of the rules of the road, the Groveland Police Department is shadowing school buses along their routes.

Beginning the week of Nov. 19, after receiving complaints of cars passing buses while stopped with their flashing red lights on, officers began accompanying buses in the mornings and afternoons in marked and unmarked cruisers.

Drivers who fail to stop for a school bus with its red lights activated are subject to a $250 fine, and motorists with two or more offenses can have their licenses revoked.

Since implementing this safety campaign, two drivers have been stopped and were issued warnings.

“We want drivers to be aware that officers will be monitoring bus routes to ensure all laws are followed and children are safe,” Chief Jeffrey Gillen said. “By addressing this proactively, we hope to prevent accidents and injuries.”

According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), approximately 400,000 students in the state are transported to school by bus every year.

School buses are a relatively safe form of transportation. DPH reports that the majority of related injuries occur to pedestrians who are boarding or exiting a bus and are hit by passing traffic or while in one of the bus driver’s blind spots. Children ages 4 to 7 are at the highest risk of injury.

Residents should remember that:

• State law requires drivers to stay at least 100 feet behind a school bus at all times.
• Motorists also must stop for school buses and school vans when red lights are flashing. Be on the lookout for flashing yellow and red lights, and be ready to stop.
• Never pass a school bus when its stop sign arm is down and red lights are flashing.
• Do not begin driving again until the flashing red lights are turned off, the stop sign is put back in place and the bus begins moving.

Detective Sgt. Heather Riley (right) earned a Biggest Heart Award from Merrimack Valley Credit Union. (Courtesy Photo).

GROVELAND — Chief Jeffrey Gillen is pleased to announce that Groveland Police Detective Sgt. Heather Riley received a Biggest Heart award from the Merrimack Valley Credit Union at a ceremony earlier this week.

Detective Sgt. Riley was honored as MVCU’s First Responder with the Biggest Heart, in recognition of her dedication to her community and her compassion in the wake of a personal tragedy.

Following the passing of a lifelong friend after a lengthy battle with cancer, Detective Sgt. Riley did not hesitate before taking in her late friend’s teenage son, who was left without any family of his own after his mother’s death. In doing so, she committed to raising him just as his mother had, with strength and courage.

“The public expects our first responders to be selfless and dedicated to the community while they are at work,” said Groveland Police Dispatcher Catelyn Trudell in her nomination. “Heather is an example of someone who lives her entire life by that standard.”

Detective Sgt. Riley is an 11-year member of the Groveland Police Department. She became the first female supervisor in the department’s history last summer following her promotion to that rank.

“Detective Sgt. Riley is the embodiment of what it means to have a big heart, and I can’t imagine anyone who is more deserving of this honor than her,” Chief Gillen said. “I know her as a committed police officer and I have no doubt that she will fulfill her promise to take excellent care of this young man.”

With the award, MVCU presented a $500 donation to Cervivor — an organization that focuses its efforts on cervical cancer — on Detective Sgt. Riley’s behalf in honor of her late friend.

GROVELAND– Groveland Police Chief Jeffrey T. Gillen, Georgetown Police Chief Donald C. Cudmore and Newburyport Marshal Mark Murray are pleased to announce that members of all three departments were recognized yesterday for saving a man’s life.

On Feb. 12, during two ceremonies — at 1 p.m. in Groveland during an informal open house and at 7:30 p.m. at a City Council meeting in Newburyport — officials recognized Groveland’s Sgt. Eric Gorski and Detective Steve Petrone, Georgetown Sgt. Kevin DeFeo and Newburyport Lt. Matthew Simons for their response after a Georgetown man crashed his car into a telephone pole and was left unconscious.

In Groveland, officers received citations from the Board of Selectmen, presented by Chairman Michael Wood and Personnel Director Denise Dembkoski. In Newburyport, Mayor Donna Holaday presented a citation to Lt Simons. He also received citations from state Sen. Kathleen O’Connor Ives and state Rep. James Kelcourse, along with a citation from Gov. Charlie Baker, which was presented by Rep. Kelcourse.

“This was a true collaborative effort between the Groveland, Georgetown and Newburyport Police Departments,” Chief Gillen said. “I want to commend these officers for their quick and efficient police work, which ultimately saved this man’s life.”

On Saturday, Jan. 27, Sgt. Gorski and Detective Petrone responded to a report of a single motor vehicle crash with personal injury on School Street and Salem Street, in the area of the Tea Garden in Groveland. Given the close proximity to Georgetown, Sgt. DeFeo also arrived on scene to assist.

Upon arrival, officers located Lt. Simons, who was off duty at the time, administering CPR to a 57-year-old Georgetown man. Detective Petrone and Sgt. DeFeo assisted with an AED and continued chest compressions until the man regained consciousness. He was transported to an area hospital, where he was treated and is expected to recover.

An investigation into the incident revealed that the Georgetown man was traveling north on School Street when he is believed to have suffered a medical event, causing his vehicle to cross over the southbound lane and travel up onto a curb before crashing head-on into a telephone pole.

Lt. Simons, who was driving on the southbound side of School Street noticed something off about the vehicle’s path of travel, and after looking in his rear-view mirror, saw the crash occur. He immediately turned around, pulled the unconscious victim from his car and began providing aid.

“This is a prime example of the fact that a police officer’s job does not stop when their shift ends,” Marshal Murray said. “Lt. Simons is a dedicated public servant whose keen observation skills allowed him to recognize the signs of a crash before it even took place. His dedication and professionalism to his job is a testament to his character.”

“These officers should be proud of themselves for their work that day,” Chief Cudmore said. “Our partnerships with neighboring police departments are vital in providing our residents with the best quality service, especially in emergency situations like what occurred during this motor vehicle crash.”

###

GROVELAND — Chief Jeffrey Gillen is pleased to announce that the Groveland Police Department honored Cedardale Groveland this morning for its continued support and contributions to the Bagnall Elementary School’s sixth grade field day.

Groveland Police presented members of Cedardale with an appreciation award for their more than 25-year commitment to the community, particularly the Bagnall Elementary School, which hosts its annual field day at the Cedardale campus.

Organized by the Groveland Police Association, under the leadership of the Sgt. Dwight McDonald and Officer Joshua Sindoni, the sixth grade field day brings students to Cedardale for swimming, field games, sports and a cookout.

“This event wouldn’t be possible if not for the generosity of Cedardale and its manager Brian Sullivan,” Chief Gillen said. “We look forward to continuing this partnership to provide fun activities for students at a great facility for years to come.”

###