West Newbury Police Provide Update on Car Found Outside Page School

pentucketporta on November 29, 2022

The West Newbury Police Department would like to provide an update on an incident in which a vehicle and driver were found in a heavily-wooded area near the Page School on Tuesday morning.

On Tuesday, Nov. 29, at approximately 10:30 a.m., West Newbury Police and Fire responded to the school for a report of a vehicle parked in the woods near the school.

The vehicle was found about 500 feet off the road in a wooded area by a resident who was out for a walk. That resident contacted police, who found the vehicle’s driver sitting outside of the vehicle exhibiting symptoms consistent with exposure and possible hypothermia.

The West Newbury Fire Department used a Gator off-road-vehicle to transport that individual back to the road, and from there an ambulance transported the individual to Anna Jacques Hospital in Newburyport for treatment.

The vehicle is of interest to police in Newburyport and West Newbury, who are investigating an incident in which a vehicle crashed through a gate at a municipally owned property on Emery Lane in West Newbury and then crashed through another gate on a portion of the property that connects to Curzon Mill Road in Newburyport.

That incident remains under investigation by West Newbury and Newburyport Police.

Out of an abundance of caution, the Page School was placed in secure mode, meaning no one was allowed to enter or leave the building. Pre-K students were dismissed as scheduled at 11:15 a.m., and the school day continued as normal aside from students being kept inside throughout the day.

There is no danger to the school community.

The established school safety and security policies in place in the Pentucket Regional School District were followed, and police, fire and school officials are all in contact with each other.

Police will have an increased presence around the school as a result of the investigation into the vehicle.

Page School in West Newbury Placed in Secure Mode after Vehicle Found in Woods, Suspect in Custody

pentucketporta on November 29, 2022

WEST NEWBURY — Superintendent Justin Bartholomew and Principal Emily Puteri report that the Dr. John C. Page School was placed in secure mode after a suspicious vehicle was found parked in the woods near the school.

West Newbury Police and Fire responded to the school shortly after 10:30 for a report of a vehicle parked in the woods near the school. West Newbury Police noted immediately that the vehicle’s description matched the description of a vehicle wanted out of Newburyport that may have been involved in a motor vehicle crash in that city.

Out of an abundance of caution, the school was placed in secure mode, meaning no one was allowed to enter or leave the building. 

Police responded, secured the area, and located an adult male inside the vehicle. The man was placed in custody, and crews are working to remove the vehicle from the woods. The Newburyport Police Department has been notified.

Pre-K pickup, scheduled for 11:15 at the front of the building, will proceed as scheduled. Parents are advised to come to the front of the building like usual and that no cars will be permitted in the back — or to drive around the building — due to the ongoing emergency response.

There is no danger to the school community. The school day is proceeding as scheduled, but students will be kept inside for the remainder of the school day.

The established school safety and security policies in place in the Pentucket Regional School District were followed, and police, fire and school officials are all in contact with each other.

Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

 

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*PHOTOS* West Newbury Fire Department, Mutual Aid Partners Respond to Four-Alarm Fire

pentucketporta on June 19, 2022

WEST NEWBURY — Chief Michael Dwyer reports that the West Newbury Fire Department and about two dozen mutual aid partners battled a four-alarm house fire early on Saturday evening.

Firefighters responded at 6:47 p.m. to 17 Brown Lane for a report of a fire in an attached garage. First arriving crews found heavy fire in the single-family home and immediately requested a working fire response. This was followed quickly by a second alarm at 6:56 p.m., and then a third alarm at 6:57 p.m., due to both the intensity of the fire and need for additional tankers to provide water for firefighting efforts.

Water availability in the area created extreme challenges. Tankers from eight Massachusetts and New Hampshire communities assisted. A water supply command was established to manage the incoming tankers and ensure that sufficient water was available. A fourth alarm was called at 7:47 p.m. for additional tanker support.

One firefighter was transported by ambulance to an area hospital out of an abundance of caution.

Crews cleared the scene at 11:50 p.m.

Residents of the home have been relocated.

Mutual aid was provided by the Atkinson, N.H., Boxford, East Kingston, N.H., Essex, Georgetown, Groveland, Hampton Falls, N.H., Haverhill, Kensington, N.H., Lawrence, Merrimac, Methuen, Newbury, Newburyport, Newton, N.H., North Hampton, Plaistow, N.H., Rowley, and Salisbury Fire Departments.

The Seacoast Fire Chiefs Mutual Aid District responded with a regional air trailer and a tanker. Atlantic Ambulance Service provided advanced life support ambulance coverage and Tango 2, an incident support unit. The State Department of Fire Services also provided an incident support unit.

The Fire Department also was assisted by West Newbury public safety dispatchers, the West Newbury Police Department, the Department of Public Works, Water Department, and Inspectional Services.

The fire is under investigation by the West Newbury Police Department, West Newbury Fire Department, and State Police attached to the State Fire Marshal’s Office. The cause of the fire does not appear to be suspicious at this time.

Chief Dwyer and the West Newbury Fire Department thank the many responding mutual aid partners and town departments who provided critical additional resources. They also wish to thank Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services for providing food, hydration, and meals on scene.

West Newbury Police Department To Participate in National Drug Take Back Day

pentucketporta on April 26, 2022

WEST NEWBURY — Interim Police Chief Michael Dwyer is pleased to announce that the West Newbury Police Department, in conjunction with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), will once again be participating in National Drug Take Back Day later this month.

WHEN:

Saturday, April 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

WHERE:

West Newbury Public Safety Building, 401 Main St., West Newbury, MA

WHAT:

National Drug Take Back Day is a biannual, free, no-questions-asked event that gives the community the opportunity to aid in the fight against substance use disorder by disposing of potentially dangerous expired, unwanted or unused prescription drugs. As part of the event, residents can drop off unwanted pills or patches, but not liquids, needles or sharps.

According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, in 2019 alone an estimated 9.7 million people misused prescription pain relievers, 4.9 million people misused prescription stimulants and 5.9 million people misused prescription tranquilizers or sedatives.

In addition to participating in National Drug Take Back Day twice a year, the West Newbury Police Department is pleased to offer a drug drop-off box in its lobby all year round. The drop-off box was constructed by Whitter Regional Vocational Technical High School students, and it provides residents with 24-hour access to a safe way to dispose of medications.

For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs, about this month’s Take Back Day or for complete results from past Take Back Day events, visit www.DEATakeBack.com.

West Newbury Police Department Mourns Passing of Retired Sgt. Charles Courtemanche

pentucketporta on November 2, 2021

The West Newbury Police Department is mourning the passing of retired Sgt. Charles Courtemanche, who served the community in multiple roles. (Photo Courtesy West Newbury Police Department)

WEST NEWBURY — Chief Jeffrey Durand and the West Newbury Police Department regret to announce the unexpected passing of retired Sgt. Charles “Chuck” Courtemanche. He was 77.

Sgt. Courtemanche joined the West Newbury Police Department as a Reserve Officer in 1970, becoming a full-time officer in 1985. He served with distinction for 35 years, retiring in 2005.

While with the Department, Sgt. Courtemanche initiated numerous programs. He led efforts toward accreditation, ensuring that West Newbury officers maintained high standards of professionalism and integrity. He also founded the Police Auxiliary program, expanding the Department’s roster with trained special officers.

Sgt. Courtemanche was most proud of founding the Department’s D.A.R.E. (Drug and Alcohol Resistance Education) program, and in helping to educate West Newbury students about the dangers of drug and alcohol use.

He also contributed to his hometown as a longtime member of the Board of Water Commissioners, including serving several terms as the board’s chairman, as a Constable, and as a Field Driver and Fence Viewer. He also worked as an on-call firefighter with the Fire Department, and worked with the Water Department.

“Sgt. Courtemanche truly loved West Newbury and the West Newbury Police Department. Even though he had retired to Florida, he always stayed in touch with what was happening in his hometown,” Chief Durand said. “He made the town a much better place in countless quiet ways. He will be greatly missed, and the West Newbury Police Department extends its condolences to Chuck’s family.”

West Newbury Police Officers Participating in Home Base No Shave Fundraiser

pentucketporta on October 25, 2021

WEST NEWBURY – Chief Jeffrey Durand is pleased to announce that the West Newbury Police Department will take part in the Home Base No Shave fundraiser for the first time in November.

Members of the Department may forgo facial hair restrictions during November and donate or raise $100 to support Home Base’s mission. Home Base assists veterans and their families in healing from invisible wounds such as post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injuries.

“We are learning more and more about the wounds of war, and the struggles veterans and their families face every day,” Chief Durand said. “I encourage community members to give generously, and commend Officer Emmanuel Terrero for organizing this important effort.”

The Department has set a goal of $1,000, but hopes to exceed that to provide even greater support to Home Base and veterans in need of critical services. Those interested in helping may donate here.

Home Base No Shave, which was formerly known as No Shave November, was created in 2015. It has raised more than $800,000 from more than 130 police departments across the country, representing more than 2,500 first responders.

About Home Base:

Home Base, a Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Program, is dedicated to healing the invisible wounds for veterans of all eras, service members, military families and families of fallen soldiers through world-class clinical care, wellness, education and research.

Since its inception, Home Base has provided care and support to more than 21,000 veterans and family members and trained more than 73,000 clinicians, educators, first responders and community members – all at no cost to those individuals.

For more information, visit www.homebase.org.

Groveland, Merrimac & West Newbury Police and Fire Departments Partner with Pentucket to Share Safe Driving Tips for Teens

pentucketporta on July 7, 2021

 

With school out and the summer season in full swing, Groveland Fire Chief Robert Valentine, Groveland Police Chief Jeffrey Gillen, Merrimac Fire Chief Larry Fisher, Merrimac Police Chief Eric Shears, West Newbury Fire Chief Michael Dwyer, Police Chief Jeffrey Durand and Pentucket Superintendent Dr. Justin Bartholomew wish to share safe driving tips with teens.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for teens age 15 to 18 in the United States.

In 2018, there were 2,121 people killed in crashes involving a teen driver, of which 719 deaths were the teen driver. During that time, there were an estimated 88,000 teen drivers injured in motor vehicle traffic crashes, and an estimated 256,000 people injured in crashes involving a teen driver, accounting for almost 10% of all those injured that year.

“Teen drivers are still learning the ways of the road, and it is crucial for them to be cautious and to take the proper steps to ensure safety on the road,” said Superintendent Bartholomew. “Parents, please talk to your young drivers about the following safety tips. Something as simple as buckling up could save a life.”

The public safety departments that comprise the Pentucket district recommend that parents discuss the following safety tips from safekids.org with their teen driver to help keep them safe:

  • Buckle up for every trip, every time, no matter what. This applies for anyone traveling in the front or back seat. More than half of teens killed in crashes were not wearing a seatbelt.
  • Texting or using a phone while driving can cause teens to become distracted and is prohibited in Massachusetts. On average, texting while driving takes a driver’s eyes off the road for 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that is equivalent to driving the length of a football field blindfolded.
  • Limit the number of passengers in the vehicle to help prevent young drivers from becoming distracted. The risk of a fatal crash can double, or even triple when two or more teens ride in a vehicle together.
  • Driving under the influence of any impairing substance — including alcohol, illicit or prescription drugs, or over-the-counter medication — could have deadly consequences.
  • Teens should only drive when it is dark after extra practice. At night, the risk of a fatal crash is three times more likely for teens than adults.
  • Always drive within the speed limit. Road conditions can change in an instant and speed limits help to ensure that drivers have enough time to react.
  • If a driver is driving dangerously, speak up.

For more information on safe driving information for teens, please click here.

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

pentucketporta on June 23, 2020

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.