Merrimac Fire Department Accepting Applications for Part-Time Administrative Assistant

Chief Larry Fisher is pleased to announce that the Merrimac Fire Department is seeking applicants for a part-time administrative assistant position.

The administrative assistant will work directly with the Chief Fisher and the department’s two deputy fire chiefs, and will be responsible for greeting and working with members of the public during normal business hours. This position is a part-time position for 19 hours per week.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

  • Providing issuance and receipt of fire prevention permits, as well as processing various other applications and permits.
  • Answering and managing non-emergency, business calls.
  • Assisting the Fire Chief with payroll administration, and maintaining department payroll records, including salary, overtime, vacation and attendance.
  • Helping with the research and preparation of expense warrants.
  • Helping to compile data for the annual Merrimac Fire Department budget.
  • Preparing and researching grant opportunities for the special projects for the Fire Chief.
  • Helping manage department records by inputting data, and checking the data for accuracy and completeness.

To qualify, applicants should have at least a high school diploma or equivalent degree. Preference will be given to candidates who have earned an associate’s degree or above in business administration or finance, and/or who have at least two years of experience in a secretarial position and business environment, including experience in customer service, or an equivalent combination of experience, education, and training that would provide the level of knowledge and ability required for the position.

Click here for more details about the position.

To apply, interested individuals should submit resumes to lfisher@merrimacfire.org with “Administrative Assistant” in the subject line or mailed to the Merrimac Fire Department at 16 East Main St., Merrimac, MA 01860. The job posting will remain active until the position is filled.

The Town of Merrimac is an equal-opportunity employer.

Groveland Police to Summons Man who Allegedly Followed Woman in his Vehicle

GROVELAND — Chief Jeffrey T. Gillen reports that the Groveland Police Department will seek a criminal summons against a resident following an investigation into his allegedly following a woman in his vehicle earlier this week.
65-YEAR-OLD MAN, OF GROVELAND, will be charged with Disorderly Conduct and Disturbing the Peace.
On Monday, June 29, a Groveland resident reported to police that they had responded on Monday afternoon to an ad on a Groveland community Facebook page where a resident was giving away excess dog food. The resident drove to the house, located approximately one mile from her own home, and picked up the free dog food. As she turned to head back home, she reported to police that the GROVELAND MAN in a vehicle turned around multiple times in an obvious effort to follow her.
Through their investigation, which was led by Detective Steven Petrone, Groveland Police determined that the man had disturbed neighbors during the incident, and another motorist reported having to drive off the roadway to avoid him while he was allegedly engaged in a verbal altercation with the woman he followed.
Police subsequently identified the man, interviewed him and he will be summonsed to Haverhill District Court at a later date for a Clerk Magistrate’s hearing.

West Newbury Fire and Police Departments Remind Residents that Use of Fireworks is Illegal in Massachusetts

WEST NEWBURY — As the Fourth of July and summer celebrations approach, Fire Chief Michael Dwyer and Police Chief Jeff Durand would like to remind residents that the use of fireworks is illegal in Massachusetts.

It is illegal to use, possess or sell fireworks of any kind in Massachusetts, including Class C fireworks, which are sometimes falsely called “safe and sane fireworks.” Class C fireworks include sparklers, party poppers, snappers, firecrackers, spinners, cherry bombs and more. Additionally, residents are prohibited from purchasing fireworks elsewhere and transporting them into the state.

From 2010-19, 858 major fires and explosions were reported to the Massachusetts Fire Incident Reporting System (MFIRS) due to the use of illegal fireworks. These incidents caused 12 civilian injuries, 40 firefighter injuries and a loss of approximately $2.9 million.

“While residents can certainly enjoy an organized fireworks display this summer, they should never attempt to put one on themselves due to the tremendous risk of injury,” said Chief Dwyer. “We urge everyone to celebrate safely and to practice social distancing should you attend any organized displays in the coming months in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The West Newbury Fire and Police Departments recommend that residents only attend displays put on by a licensed professional to ensure safety.

“With summer finally here, it’s understandable that people are looking forward to celebrating the season and attend events like professional fireworks displays,” said Chief Durand. “However, fireworks that are not handled by professionals pose a very serious risk of fire and personal injury. Please keep yourself and your community safe by not engaging in the use of illegal fireworks.”

Residents should always:

  • Call 911 if anyone gets injured by fireworks.
  • Set a positive example for children by not using illegal fireworks. If kids see adults using them, they may not realize the dangers and could be encouraged to pick up matches or lighters.
  • Be careful around even the smallest fireworks. Sparklers burn at 1,800 degrees and could easily cause severe burns and injuries.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the misuse of fireworks can cause death and injuries including severe burns, contusions, lacerations, eye injuries and more.

In other news: 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season Begins

From the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency:

FRAMINGHAM – This week marks the official start of the Atlantic Hurricane Season which runs through November 30th. While the majority of tropical storms and hurricanes that have impacted New England occurred during the months of August and September, now is the time to begin preparing yourself, your family, your home, and your business.  Throughout hurricane season, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) will share preparedness information to help residents be aware of, and prepare for, the impacts of tropical storms and hurricanes.

While continuing to respond to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency remains committed to ensuring the Commonwealth is prepared for other disasters including hurricanes and tropical storms. As hurricane season begins, MEMA is actively planning for how to respond to disasters while considering the public health challenges of COVID-19.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) seasonal outlook predicts an above normal number of hurricanes this season. Regardless of the seasonal forecast, it only takes one storm to make landfall and severely impact an area.  Tropical Storm Irene, which produced devastating flooding in Central and Western Massachusetts in 2011, is a reminder that hurricanes and tropical storms can impact many areas of the Commonwealth, not just coastal regions, and that all Massachusetts residents need to prepare for the possibility of hurricane impacts. To learn more about the hazards associated with hurricanes and tropical storms, visit MEMA’s hurricane webpage: www.mass.gov/mema/hurricanes.

“The coronavirus public health emergency won’t stop the threat of hurricanes, and in many ways makes responding to other disaster even more challenging.  We have adjusted our planning to ensure that we are prepared and want residents to be prepared, as well,” said MEMA Director Samantha Phillips.  “The beginning of hurricane season is a great opportunity for all residents of the Commonwealth to learn if they live in a hurricane evacuation zone, make an emergency plan, assemble an emergency kit, and stay informed. This is especially true for the 2020 hurricane season as we continue to manage the complexity of COVID-19.”

MEMA Hurricane Season Preparedness Activities

MEMA is working closely with the Department of Public Health and the newly established Pandemic Disaster Mass Care Working Group to develop guidance for evacuations and mass care during COVID-19. This guidance will be provided to municipalities to inform their planning and preparedness for hurricane season and will be used to adjust the Commonwealth’s mass care and evacuation plans to help keep individuals both safe and healthy during a disaster.

Working in partnership with the Emergency Support Function Team and with local partners some of the steps MEMA is taking to prepare for the 2020 hurricane season during COVID-19 include re-evaluating capacities of state-initiated regional shelter sites; preparing for the need for additional evacuation transportation vehicles; adding screening, sanitization, disinfection, and general public health protocols to existing mass care plans; and planning for and preparing to provide sheltering in non-congregate settings such as hotels.

Know Your Evacuation Zone

Massachusetts has defined hurricane evacuation zones, designated as Zone A, Zone B and Zone C, for areas of the state at risk for storm surge flooding associated with tropical storms or hurricanes. If evacuations are necessary because of a tropical storm or hurricane, local or state officials will notify people living, working, or vacationing in evacuation zones to leave the area for their safety. Even areas not directly along a coastline may be at risk for storm surge flooding during a tropical storm or hurricane. Find out if you live, work, or vacation in a hurricane evacuation zone by visiting the ‘Know Your Zone’ interactive map located on MEMA’s website at www.mass.gov/knowyourzone.

Make an Emergency Plan

Develop a plan with the members of your household to prepare for what to do, how to find each other, and how to communicate in a tropical storm or hurricane. An emergency plan should include:

  • Meeting Locations
  • Emergency Contact Information
  • Evacuation Plans
  • Shelter-in-Place Plans
  • Considerations for Family Members with Access and Functional Needs, and Pets

For more information, see: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/make-a-family-emergency-plan.

Build an Emergency Kit

Build an emergency kit containing items that will sustain you and your family in the event you are isolated for three to five days without power or unable to go to a store. Emergency kits are particularly important during hurricane season, due to potential extended power outages, flooding, and impassable debris-covered roads. While it is important to customize your kit to meet the unique needs of you and your family, every emergency kit should include bottled water, food, a flashlight, a radio and extra batteries, a first aid kit, sanitation items, and clothing. Depending on your family’s needs, emergency kits should also include medications, extra eyeglasses, medical equipment and supplies, children’s items such as diapers and formula, food and supplies for pets and service animals, and other items you or your family members might need during a disaster. For a complete emergency kit checklist, visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/build-an-emergency-kit.

Stay Informed

Receiving advance warnings and timely emergency alerts and information from public officials is critical to staying safe during a tropical storm or hurricane. Every family should have multiple methods for receiving emergency alerts. Learn more about different types of alerting and information tools including the Emergency Alert System, Wireless Emergency Alerts, NOAA Weather Radio, Social Media & Traditional Media, 2-1-1 Hotline, Local Notification Systems: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/be-informed-and-receive-emergency-alerts.

About MEMA

MEMA is the state agency charged with ensuring the state is prepared to withstand, respond to, and recover from all types of emergencies and disasters, including natural hazards, accidents, deliberate attacks, and technological and infrastructure failures. MEMA’s staff of professional planners, communications specialists and operations and support personnel is committed to an all hazards approach to emergency management. By building and sustaining effective partnerships with federal, state and local government agencies, and with the private sector – individuals, families, non-profits and businesses – MEMA ensures the Commonwealth’s ability to rapidly recover from large and small disasters by assessing and mitigating threats and hazards, enhancing preparedness, ensuring effective response, and strengthening our capacity to rebuild and recover. For additional information about MEMA and Emergency Preparedness, go to www.mass.gov/mema.

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Groveland Police Department Temporarily Suspend Non-Emergency Walk-in Services

GROVELAND — Police Chief Jeffrey T. Gillen announces that, out of an abundance of caution, the Groveland Police Department will temporarily suspend non-emergency walk-in services in response to COVID-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus.

All walk-in services, such as fingerprinting, records requests, non-violent past offenses, medication drop-off, etc. are suspended until further notice. Non-emergency matters may be reported over the phone by calling the department’s business line at 978-521-1212.

An officer will be assigned to follow-up with you. In some cases, officers may utilize email for statements or photos needed for a report.

As always, please call 911 for any emergency. The department will continue to respond to those calls immediately. Those who call 911 are asked to tell dispatchers if they are experiencing any flu-like symptoms. Dispatchers have also been directed to do the same.

Officers will practice social distancing when responding to calls in person in order to protect both the residents and the officers.

Police can also be contacted through the department’s website. However, the site is not monitored 24/7. Those looking for immediate, non-emergency help are asked to call 978-521-1212.

To request a public record, visit the department’s website here and either email Lt. McDonald at dmcdonald@grovelandpolice.com or download the request form, fill it out and mail it to the police department.

All new and renewal firearm licensing applications may be mailed to the Groveland Police Department. The firearm licensing application can be found here. Please ensure the application is complete and include a $100 check (made out to the Town of Groveland) for the application fee when you mail in the document.

All new firearm licensing applications appointments for fingerprints and photos are postponed until further notice.

These are temporary changes we are making to the way we provide services out of an abundance of caution,” said Chief Gillen. “All of us at the Groveland Police Department are committed to providing the same excellent service that our community deserves.”

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has also rolled out 2-1-1 for COVID-19. Residents can call 2-1-1 at all hours (24/7) for more information and updates surrounding COVID-19.

For more information, visit the DPH website by clicking here and the CDC’s website by clicking here.