(This release is updated to reflect new Board of Health rules requiring masks in all municipal buildings.)
ESSEX — Police Chief Paul Francis and Fire Chief Ramie Reader are pleased to announce that the Essex Police and Fire Departments will host an open house at the town’s new public safety building, and that a time capsule will be opened during the event as well.
Both departments moved into their new home at 11 John Wise Ave. in May, but delayed holding an open house due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The open house will be held Saturday, Sept. 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
In the time since the departments first shared information about the open house, the Essex Board of Health voted to institute a mask mandate for all municipal buildings in town, starting Monday, Sept. 13 until further notice.
The mandate requires anyone in a town building to wear a face covering when in common or public areas, with exceptions for children under 5 years old and those with certain medical conditions.
While wearing masks at the open house was previously encouraged but not required, face coverings will now be required for those inside the public safety building. Masks will be on hand for anyone who arrives without one.
At 11 a.m., a time capsule that was buried in front of the old public safety building when it was built in 1950 will be opened. There also will be refreshments for all, and reserved parking for seniors in front of the new building’s main entrance.
“We are looking forward to not only giving residents a tour of the new home for our first responders in town, but also giving them a look into the past as we open a door to life in Essex from 71 years ago,” Chief Francis said. “We invite all residents to join us for a trip through old and new.”
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