MASSACHUSETTS EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS MONTH

MEMA ENCOURAGES FAMILIES TO ‘MAKE A PLAN’ AS PART OF MASSACHUSETTS EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS MONTH




FRAMINGHAM, MA – As part of Massachusetts Emergency Preparedness Month, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) urges families to ‘Make a Plan’.

“It is important to develop a Family Emergency Plan that outlines what you will do, how you will find each other, and how you will communicate in an emergency or disaster” states MEMA Director Kurt Schwartz. “Taking the time to develop and practice your Family Emergency Plan before the next disaster can keep you and your family safe, protect your property, and build your community’s resilience.”


A Family Emergency plan should:

 Include an Emergency Contact
Ask an out-of-state friend or relative to serve as your family’s emergency contact. After a disaster, it is sometimes easier to call long distance to unaffected areas.
Provide every family member with the name, address, and phone number of the emergency contact and make sure each family member has a cellphone or a prepaid phone card.
Inform your emergency contact of any family member’s special needs or medical issues.
List emergency contacts in cellphones as “ICE” (in case of emergency), which will make it easier for emergency personnel to contact the right person.
Use alternate communications methods:
Show all family members how to text message, as it may be easier to send a text than make a call during an emergency.
Learn how to use social media. Social media can be an effective tool to let friends and family know your location and status.
Keep the American Red Cross Safe and Well service in mind. Use it to register yourself as “safe and well” or search for loved ones after a disaster.





Establish Meeting Locations


Select two family meeting locations: choose one location close to home and another farther away, in case you need to evacuate or cannot return to the area. 


Provide Evacuation Information


Identify and practice how you will exit your home.
Establish possible evacuation routes to ensure you are able to get to designated meeting locations. Talk to your local emergency management agency to learn about evacuation routes.
Identify available modes of transportation.
Make arrangements with family, neighbors, friends, or local government if you don’t have personal transportation.
If you need assistance, contact local public safety officials to make them aware of your needs.

Include Instructions for Sheltering In Place

Designate safe room(s) within your home. These rooms should have:

As few windows or doors as possible.

Access to television, radio and telephones.

Ensure you have necessary supplies and can access your emergency kit.

If you receive medical treatments or home healthcare services, work with your medical provider to identify options if you are unable to leave your home for a period of time.
Review tips to safely shelter in place. 


Special Considerations

Plan for everyone in your household including individuals with access and functional needs, seniors, children, and pets.

Don’t forget to practice your plan with your household!
                                                                                                                                                                           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.



Continue to follow MEMA updates on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MassEMA; Facebook at www.facebook.com/MassachusettsEMA; YouTube at www.youtube.com/MassachusettsEMA.



Massachusetts Alerts: to receive emergency information on your smartphone, including severe weather alerts from the National Weather Service and emergency information from MEMA, download the Massachusetts Alerts free app. To learn more about Massachusetts Alerts, and for information on how to download the free app onto your smartphone, visit: www.mass.gov/mema/mobileapp.

Sober Driving Initiative

As summer winds down, Wrentham Police will be out in force looking for impaired drivers.  From August 14 to September 7, the Wrentham Police Department will be teaming up with Massachusetts State Police and more than 191 eligible local police departments across the state to curb impaired driving and save lives.  The 25-day, high-visibility campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, is funded by a federal grant administered through the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security’s Highway Safety Division (EOPSS/HSD).  

In 2013, there were 10,076 people killed across the country in drunk-driving crashes, and 118 of those people were killed on Massachusetts roadways.  As people celebrate the final days of summer, Labor Day weekend is a dangerous time to be on the roads.  Thirty eight percent of national crash fatalities on Labor Day weekend in 2013 involved drunk drivers with blood alcohol concentrations [BACs] of .08 or higher, amounting to 161 lives lost across the country.  There were four fatalities that same weekend in Massachusetts.    

In every state, it’s illegal to drive with a BAC of .08 or higher.  Chief James Anderson wants to remind Wrentham area drivers that driving sober is not a recommendation – it’s the law.  During the upcoming enforcement period, there will be a special emphasis on drunk-driving enforcement.  Local drivers should expect to see more patrol vehicles, OUI checkpoints, and increased messaging about this reckless crime.  

 The Wrentham Police Department also reminds motorists that wearing a safety belt is your best defense against drunk and aggressive drivers and your own mistakes. 

Distracted Driving Enforcement

WRENTHAM POLICE NEWS RELEASE

 

Wrentham Police Department to Participate in Statewide Texting
Enforcement Crackdown

 

The Wrentham Police Department will join the 191 eligible Massachusetts law enforcement agencies in the national U Drive. U Text. U Pay. mobilization to crack down on motorists who text while driving.  The campaign, which combines traditional and innovative enforcement strategies, is funded by a federal grant administered through the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security’s Highway Safety Division (EOPSS/HSD) from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA).  The mobilization begins April 10, 2015 and continues through May 1, 2015.  

 

“Driving and texting is illegal and irresponsible.  People who break our state’s texting law will be stopped and fined.  If you drive and text, you will pay,” said Lt. George Labonte.  

 

Texting while driving was outlawed in Massachusetts effective September 30, 2010.  Adult drivers who write, send, or read electronic messages or browse the Internet while driving face a $100 fine for a first offense – even if the vehicle is stopped in traffic!  Juvenile operators are entirely prohibited from using mobile phones and other electronic devices while driving, including to make phone calls.  The fine for a juvenile first offense is $100 and includes a 60 day license suspension and required completion of a driver attitudinal course. 

 

These costly violations underscore the danger inherent in the use of electronic devices while driving.  Nationally in 2013, there were 3,154 people killed and an estimated 424,000 people injured in motor vehicle crashes involv­ing distracted drivers.  

 

According to the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute’s 2012 “Teen Driver Distraction Study,” 25% of teens respond to a text message at least once every time they drive.  20% of teens and 10% of parents admit that they have multi-message text conversations while driving.

 

“It’s not that complicated: if you text and drive, we will see you, pull you over, and fine you.  We’re serious about enforcing texting laws and protecting the motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians who use our roadways” said Lt. Labonte.

Citizen's Police Academy

The Wrentham Police Department is pleased to announce the commencement of a Citizens Police Academy. The Academy will run from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm for seven consecutive Tuesday’s, beginning on Tuesday, May 19, 2015 and conclude on June 30, 2015. This informational academy will be held in the public safety training room, located on the main floor of the Public Safety building.

 

        The Citizen Police Academy is designed to familiarize citizens with the operation and function of the Wrentham Police Department. Classes will cover various topics such as Criminal Law, Patrol Procedures, Domestic Violence, Motor Vehicle Enforcement, Identity Theft, Emergency Communication Center, Court Procedures, and Use of Force.

 

        There is no charge to attend, however, you must be 18 years or older. The class is limited to 25 applicants. Applications may be picked up at the Wrentham Police Department, 89 South Street or email Lt. George Labonte at labonte@police.wrentham.ma.us  The application must be submitted or emailed to Lt. Labonte by Friday May 1, 2015. Preference will be given to Wrentham residents.

National Grid Notice

January 8, 2015 CONTACT: David Graves – 401-784-7540

During this holiday season National Grid and local police departments received an increasing
number of calls from customers being targeted by billing scam artists and impersonators trying to gain
access to account information and entry to National Grid customers’ homes. The bill scams mirror
reports received by utility companies throughout the country where the scammers are demanding
immediate payment for electricity and natural gas bill balances and threatening immediate service shutoff
if payments are not received within an hour or two. If the customer has made a payment, the caller
will say that the payment has not been received and an immediate payment must be made. For the
most part the scammers are demanding that the customer secure a pre-paid debit card and provide the
account number to the scammer who then redeems the card.
National Grid does contact customers with past due balances by phone to offer payment
options. Direct payment is an option but direct payment is never demanded as a prerequisite for
continued service. If customers wish, they can arrange for a payment by check, credit card or debit
card if they speak directly to a customer service representative. Payment can also be made by credit
card or debit card without a representative’s assistance. National Grid does not accept pre-paid debit
cards for payment and would never ask a customer to acquire one of these cards to make a bill
payment.
The callers have shown to be adept at extracting account information from unsuspecting
customers and they use sophisticated telephone technology to convince customers they are actually
calling from National Grid.
Ask Questions/Demand Proper ID
In addition to the on-going fraudulent bill collection calls, there have been recurring reports of
individuals going door-to-door, identifying themselves as employees of National Grid and demanding to
see the customer’s electricity or natural gas bills. In other instances, people claiming to be a utility
company employee have been able to gain entry to a home by telling the customer they must inspect
their meter, which is usually located in the customer’s basement. When the customer accompanies the
impersonator into the basement, an accomplice enters the home and removes items of value without
the customer knowing it.
 News Release
NATIONAL GRID WARNS CUSTOMERS TO GUARD THEMSELVES
AND SENSITIVE ACCOUNT INFORMATION
Reports of Home Invasions, Billing Scams and Employee Impersonators Increased
During The Holiday SeasonIn all instances when customers come in contact with any individual claiming to represent
National Grid, they should verify their identity before divulging account information, making a bill
payment or allowing access to their home. If a customer has any concerns about the nature of the
contact they should call National Grid’s Customer Contact Center immediately to clarify billing issues
and confirm the identity of the person trying to secure account information or gain entry to the home.
In New England, customers can reach the Center at 1-800-322-3223.

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over

                                                                                      

                                              

Wrentham Police Department Announces Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Holiday Crackdown on Impaired Drivers

Wrentham,MA – As you celebrate the holiday season enjoying traditions, food, family and fun, be reminded that Wrentham Police will be out in force from December 1, 2014 to January 1, 2015 to protect the Commonwealth’s citizens by arresting anyone caught behind the wheel operating under the influence.  The Wrentham Police will join other local law enforcement agencies and the MA State Police to run extra patrols through the New Year as part of the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over mobilization, funded by a federal grant administered through the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security’s Highway Safety Division (EOPSS-HSD).  

The Wrentham Police is giving fair warning to all partygoers.  “You’ll see us making lots of stops during this highly visible enforcement period and if we suspect anyone is driving while intoxicated, officers will show zero tolerance for impaired driving,” said Lt. George Labonte

“The message is simple:  Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.  Drinking alcohol and driving do not mix.  If you plan to consume alcohol, you should also plan not to get behind the wheel of a vehicle,” said Lt. Labonte 

Unfortunately, the excitement and celebrations of the holiday season can lead to terrible decisions, and serious legal consequences. Data shows that the holiday season is a particularly deadly time due to the increased number of impaired drivers on the roads. In 2011 in Massachusetts, 114 people were killed in crashes that involved drivers with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or higher.

“This holiday, we will show zero tolerance for those driving under the influence on the road. If you choose to drive drunk, we will see you, we will stop you, and you will be arrested,” said Lt. Labonte

      EOPSS-HSD recommends these tips for a safe holiday season:

 Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin;

 Before drinking, designate a sober driver and leave your car keys at home;

 If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation;

 If you happen to see an impaired driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact law enforcement;

 And remember, Drive Sober Or Get Pulled Over. If you know someone who is about to drive while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get home safely. 

New D.A.R.E. Officer!

The Wrentham Police Department is pleased to announce the graduation of Officer Peter Lown from the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) training held December 1-12 at the New Hampshire Fire Academy in Concord, NH.

Officer Lown completed the two week, 80 hour certification course to become one of Wrentham's newest D.A.R.E. instructors. With the graduation of Officer Lown, he will join Sergeant Jeffrey Smith and Officer Todd Schwalbe providing the program to the local school district.

D.A.R.E. is a community based, nation wide program which partners police, schools and parents to educate students about the abuse of drugs, violence and the importance of good decision making.

Decorate our Tree!!!

Happy Holidays!!

From the

Wrentham Police

 We need your help decorating our Christmas Tree!!!

We would love to have you make a family, Christmas ornament to hang on the Wrentham Police Christmas tree!
The tree is on the second floor of the Public Safety Building and looks a bit like this one here -------->

RULES:

1. Only one ornament per family.
2. Not too big please!!!
3. Be creative!!!

The Wrentham Police Association is taking donations of non-perishable food items to give to families in need.  There will be a box next to the tree to place donations.

Charity Softball Game

Citizens Police Academy

                                     

PRESS RELEASE

The Wrentham Police Department is pleased to announce the commencement of a Citizens Police Academy. The Academy will run from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm for seven consecutive Thursday’s, beginning on Thursday October 9, 2014 and conclude on November 20, 2014. This informational academy will be held in the public safety training room, located on the main floor of the Public Safety building.

        The Citizen Police Academy is designed to familiarize citizens with the operation and function of the Wrentham Police Department. Classes will cover various topics such as Criminal Law, Patrol Procedures, Domestic Violence, Motor Vehicle Enforcement, Identity Theft, Emergency Communication Center, Court Procedures, and Use of Force.

        There is no charge to attend, however, you must be 18 years or older. The class is limited to 25 applicants. Applications may be picked up at the Wrentham Police Department, 89 South Street or email Lt. George Labonte at labonte@police.wrentham.ma.us  The application must be submitted or emailed to Lt. Labonte by Wednesday September 17, 2014. Preference will be given to Wrentham residents.

Luciano's Restaurant Rt. 1

In the early morning hours of 08-20-2014, Luciano's Restaurant on Washington Street in Wrentham experienced a break.  The images are of the suspect responsible for the crime.

If you have any information regarding this incident or this individual, please contact the Wrentham Police Department.

National Grid Scam

 

 

NATIONAL GRID WARNS NEW ENGLAND CUSTOMERS

OF ON-GOING PAYMENT SCAM

May 9, 2014

 

Good afternoon,

The attached press release details a utility billing scam that is once again targeting National Grid customers in New England.  These utility bill scammers are demanding immediate payment for electric bill balances, which customers might not even owe.  The fraudulent callers are claiming to be from National Grid and threatening customers with immediate service shut-off unless they provide credit card or bank account information that can be used to access the accounts.

National Grid has been doing public outreach to raise public awareness about this scam.  You may have even heard us on the radio instructing customers not to give the caller any information and to ask them to verify the last 5 digits of the billing account. 

Since many residents look to their municipalities for guidance on these matters,  we are sending this to you to provide you information, phone numbers and to post on the town’s website if possible.

 

Thank you for your continued partnership!

National Grid Community & Customer Management Team / South MA

 

Customer Contact Center: 1-800-322-3223

Suspect in a Housebreak Arrested by Wrentham Officers

On April 23rd, 2014, Officers Coliflores and O'Connell with Detective Sgt. Barrett, responded to a suspicious person seen walking up a driveway on Spring Street in West Wrentham.

Officer Coliflores was first at the scene and identified Jeffrey Carroll of Franklin walking on Spring Street carrying a plastic bag with stolen property.  Officer Coliflores arrested Carroll, assisted by Officer O'Connell.

Further investigation connected Carroll to the house on Spring Street only a short walk from where Carroll was apprehended.  Items in Carroll's possession at the time of his arrest also link him to the property.

An older model, green Jeep Cherokee was seen leaving the area and is believed to be connected to this case.

* ARRESTED *
Jeffrey Carroll
Oak Street
Franklin, MA

WANTED - Brett Frigon

WANTED

For: Witness Intimidation (felony)

Brett S. Frigon

Date of Birth 08/16/1992

8 New Emerald Lane, Wrentham, MA 02093 (last known residence)

5’8”

160 lbs

Brown hair, brown eyes

Please call your local police, or the Wrentham Police, at (508)384-2121 if you have any information.

Stolen and Counterfeit Credit Cards WVPO

Three Arrested for Stolen and Counterfeit Credit Cards and ID’s at the Wrentham Village Outlets

On December 30^th, 2013, around 1:00PM, the Wrentham Police responded to the Burberry store at the Wrentham Village Premium Outlets.  Store employees were reporting three individuals inside the store attempting to make a purchase valued at more than $8000.00 with stolen or counterfeit credit cards and identifications.

Officer Robert O’Connell arrived to the scene first and witnessed the transaction taking place.  When he confronted two of the suspects, they fled from the store on foot to a rented 2013 Mercedes E350, parked nearby.  Officer Jon Coliflores and Sgt. James Barrett assisted Officer O’Connell in apprehending the three suspects before they were able to escape.

A subsequent investigation, including suspect interviews and several search warrants, revealed the three had spent thousands of dollars throughout Massachusetts, specifically Newbury Street in Boston, using stolen or counterfeit credit and debit cards and id’s.

The investigation is ongoing with the assistance of the United States Secret Service, but it appears these three suspects may be involved in similar crimes in other eastern states.

The three arrested are Justin Worthington, 24 years old from Oxon Hill, Maryland; Alexus Jackson, 20 years old from parts unknown and Christian Johnson, 23 years old from Landover, Maryland.

All three were held on $10,000.00 cash bail until court on the following day where they were arraigned.  Johnson is being held on a felony warrant for carjacking out of Prince George’s County, Maryland.

Metro LEC Announces Award

National AMBER Alert Awareness Day, January 13^th, 2014, is set aside and memorialized in honor of Amber Hagerman and the establishment of a national AMBER Alert Program by the U.S. Department of Justice.  This is an appropriate time to notify the public of an important achievement by the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council (Metro LEC).  Metro LEC is a consortium of cities, towns and sheriff departments from Massachusetts with the goal of sharing resources among its member agencies in order to provide the best possible police services to the community.

On July 23^rd and 24^th, 2013, Metro LEC conducted a “mock” child abduction drill in the Town of Norwood.  Officers from member agencies of the Metro LEC organization mobilized and responded to Norwood to investigate a report of a missing child.  Assessors from the AMBER Program evaluated the Metro LEC Child Abduction Response Team (Metro CART), a specialized unit within Metro LEC.   They assessed protocols and the effectiveness of the drill, to meet standards set forth by the U.S. Department of Justice.  After completion of the drill, Metro CART has received notification from the AMBER Program that we have successfully met these necessary standards and will become the 19^th nationally certified CART team, and only the second northeastern state team to receive the honor.

On February 18^th, 2014, Metro LEC will be presented an award by the Department of Justice for the national certification.  This award will be presented by Phil Keith, Program Director of the AMBER Alert Training and Technical Assistance Program.  More information will follow regarding the award ceremony.

                                                                                               

Metro LEC PIO UNIT

Deputy Chief Helena Findlen Canton Police (781) 828-1214 x101  hfindlen@town.canton.us

Lt. Marie Cleary Wellesley Police (781) 235-1212                                              mcleary@wellesleyma.gov

Lt. Todd Jackson Norton Police (508) 285-3302                                    jackson@nortonpolice.com

Wrentham Police Seeking a Lateral Transfer Officer

The Wrentham Police Department is currently seeking applicants for Police Officer Lateral Transfers.

The Wrentham Police Department seeks motivated, dependable, and community oriented police officers for lateral transfer to this department. The applicant must be currently employed by a civil service police department and be eligible for transfer.

The applicant will have successfully completed a MPTC full-time police academy, must possess Massachusetts motor vehicle operators license, Massachusetts license to carry firearms, successfully complete a comprehensive pre-employment background investigation, physical, drug and psychological testing, possess problem solving ability, believes in a community policing model, and have strong written and verbal communication skills.

Located mid way between Boston and Providence, Wrentham is approximately 23 sq. miles with a population of more than 11, 000.  Wrentham is home of the Wrentham Premium Village Outlet Mall which full time officers regularly work paid details for purposes of traffic enforcement and crime prevention.

The Wrentham Police Department offers the Quinn Bill M.G.L. Chapter 41 Section 108L benefit to all new hires who, at the time of their hire are approved by the State to receive such benefits under Chapter 41 Section 108L.

There are three lakes in Wrentham including Lake Pearl which is a 212 acre body of water which is patrolled by officers in the Wrentham Police Department’s 17’ Boston Whaler Police Boat.

During the summer, full time officers patrol the Wrentham State Forest, covering 1,027 acres and 23 miles of trails, utilizing state of the art police mountain bikes and ATV patrol.

Special assignments include; Motorcycle Patrol, School Resource Officer, Elder Affairs Officer, Community Relations Officer, Detective/Patrolman and Dare Officers.

The Wrentham Police Department offers a competitive salary and benefits package. Candidates will be subjected to an extensive background check, medical evaluation, drug testing and psychological screening.

The Town of Wrentham is an equal opportunity employer. Interested candidates must submit a current resume, letter of interest, and all police certifications to:

James Anderson

Chief of Police

89 South Street

Wrentham, MA. 02093

(508) 384-2121 x 1000

Child Pornography Case Leads To Jail Time

Wrentham man jailed for

Possessing child porn

               A Wrentham man pled guilty to 12 indictments of possessing child pornography in Norfolk Superior Court August 7, 2013 and was sentenced to a year and a half incarceration, according to Norfolk District Attorney Michael W. Morrissey.

               “Edward Bourget admitted to having more than a thousand images and videos of children, some still toddlers, being sexually abused,” District Attorney Morrissey said after the plea. “The maximum penalty for the crime is 5 years state prison. We requested a 4 to 5 year sentence, followed by 10 years of probation with sex offender treatment, GPS tracking of his movements, no internet use and no unsupervised contact with children under 18 when he is released.”

               Morrissey praised the investigation by the Wrentham Police Department, the Department of Homeland Security and the Computer Crimes Unit of the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council, saying “there was a tremendous amount of work necessary to process and develop this much evidence, and Assistant District Attorney Anne Yas did good work bringing this to a successful conclusion.”

               Judge Kenneth C. Fishman sentenced Bourget, 49, of Blackberry Hill Road in Wrentham, to 2 ½ years in a house of correction, 18 months to serve, followed by 6 years of probation with conditions that he undergo sex offender treatment, be subject to GPS monitoring, submit a DNA sample, possess no adult or child pornography and have no internet access - enforced by a firewall to monitored by probation.

               “Be it possession, creation or distribution, any involvement with child pornography encourages and abets the criminal violation of children and the damaging of young lives,” District Attorney Morrissey said. “Society needs to stand against this at every turn. I cannot thank the Wrentham police and their partners enough for their work here.”

               From September 2011 until January 2012, Bourget used the screen name “MWMfromMA” to communicate with a party he did not know was an undercover U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Task Force agent. That communication began when Bourget answered a posting offering sex with an underage girl in Florida. Probable cause was developed to obtain a search warrant for Bourget’s residence stemming from those communications.

Housebreak on Archer Street leads to Criminal Charges

On July 1st, 2013, Officers Derick Cassidy and Jon Coliflores responded to a residence on Archer Street for a reported housebreak.  The homeowners left in the morning, only to come home to find their door kicked in and property stolen.
Following an investigation, Detective Sergeant Barrett has filed charges against two Wrentham teens; one being a juvenile.

Theft of Property on Summer Street Leads to Arrests and Charges

On July 5th, 2013, Officer Derick Cassidy took a report for stolen property from residents of Summer Street.  A subsequent investigation by Detective Sergeant James Barrett led to the arrest of two men, Ephraim Hunter of Millis and Jason Dunston of Medway.

Several items have been recovered, further linking the suspects to the crime.  Both men are charged with receiving stolen property with a value greater than $250.00.