Georgetown

Georgetown Police Host Regional Active Shooter Training

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Patch-Call-Georgetown-Patch

Georgetown Police Department
Donald C. Cudmore, Chief of Police
47 Central Street
Georgetown, MA 01833

For Immediate Release

Thursday, July 18, 2019

Contact: Jessica Sacco
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Georgetown Police Host Regional Active Shooter Training

GEORGETOWN — Chief Donald C. Cudmore is pleased to announce that the Georgetown Police Department recently hosted a regional active shooter training for first responders.

The hands on course, which occurred July 16-17 at the Georgetown Middle/High School, focused on providing police, fire and EMS personnel with the needed tools and resources to respond in the event of an active shooter situation.

The Georgetown Fire Department also participated in the training, along with police and fire departments from Salisbury, Beverly, Peabody, Lynnfield, Concord, Salem, Stow, Marblehead, North Reading, Saugus and Tyngsborough, as well as representatives from Lawrence General Hospital.

Merrimac Police Sgt. Richard Holcroft, Merrimac Police Officer Robert Coppola and Amesbury Police Officer Jonathan Morrill taught the class, leading participants through real-life scenarios that taught them how to locate and apprehend a suspect, along with responding to and treating the injured.

Chief Cudmore would like to thank the Georgetown Public Schools for allowing first responders to use the Middle/High School for training, as well as Merrimac Police Chief Eric Shears for assisting with teaching and bringing the training to Georgetown.

“This training is critical for first responders so that they can be prepared and ready to respond to a critical incident such as an active shooter in one of our schools,” Chief Cudmore said. “It was great to work closely with so many of our neighboring police and fire departments and I appreciate Chief Shears’ leadership and guidance throughout this process.”

The training was sponsored by the Texas State University Training Center on Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) and the Northeast Homeland Security Regional Advisory Council (NERAC).

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Georgetown Fire Department Hires First Full-Time Firefighters

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Georgetown-MA-Alarm-Installation

Georgetown Fire Department
Fred A. Mitchell Jr., Fire Chief
47 Central Street
Georgetown, MA 01833

For Immediate Release

Monday, July 1, 2019

Contact: Kelsey Bode
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Georgetown Fire Department Hires First Full-Time Firefighters

GEORGETOWN — Chief Fred Mitchell is pleased to share that the Georgetown Fire Department has hired its first crew of full-time firefighters.

Firefighters James Driscoll, of Salisbury, Bret Moyer, of Georgetown, and Brian Belfiore, of Haverhill, began their new roles today, Monday, July 1. 

Firefighter Moyer’s father and grandfather both served on the Georgetown Fire Department.

“This is second nature for me,” Firefighter Moyer said. “I was born and raised in Georgetown. I enjoy helping the community where I live and work.”

Firefighter Moyer has worked part-time at the Georgetown Fire Department since 2005, and Firefighter Belfiore has worked part-time for the department for approximately three years. 

Firefighter Belfiore is also a call firefighter for the Groveland Fire Department, and Firefighter Driscoll is a call firefighter for the Newbury Fire Department and has previously volunteered for the South Hampton, New Hampshire Fire Department. 

“I’ve always wanted to be a firefighter,” Firefighter Driscoll said. “I’m a first generation firefighter, the first in my family. Growing up I loved looking at the trucks and visiting the stations.”

The Georgetown Fire Department also hired Firefighter Jennifer Hicks, of Groveland, who will begin her new post on Sept. 2. Firefighter Hicks started as a call firefighter in Groveland approximately four years ago and began working for the Georgetown Fire Department part-time about two years ago. 

All four full-time firefighters have completed the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy’s Firefighter I and II training, and are certified EMTs. 

The Georgetown Fire Department was given funding by the town to hire the full-time firefighters after Municipal Resources Inc. Consulting Group conducted a study that analyzed the department’s staffing needs. In fall 2018, the consulting firm recommended that the town eventually hire six full-time firefighters to meet its staffing needs. 

“Georgetown is growing, and with a larger population and increased development in town, the Fire Department needs to evolve and grow to meet the community’s needs,” Chief Mitchell said. “We’ve also seen that it’s become increasingly challenging to staff our day shifts with part-time firefighters. It’s a huge commitment, and we need full-time staff to provide a consistent, full response.”

The four firefighters will work the Monday through Friday day-shift, two firefighters from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. and two firefighters from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Chief Mitchell hopes to hire two more full-time firefighters for the 2021 fiscal year. The department will continue to be staffed by full-time, part-time and call firefighters.

“This is an exciting time for our department and the town,” Chief Mitchell said. “We’ll be able to provide a more consistent response by having a group of full-time firefighters available during the day to assist our part-time and call firefighters. This is a great model that works well for the needs of the town.”

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Georgetown Fire Department Shares Summer Safety Tips

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Georgetown-MA-Alarm-Installation

Georgetown Fire Department
Fred A. Mitchell Jr., Fire Chief
47 Central Street
Georgetown, MA 01833

For Immediate Release

Monday, June 10, 2019

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Georgetown Fire Department Shares Summer Safety Tips

GEORGETOWN — With summer on the horizon and spring in full swing, Chief Fred Mitchell and the Georgetown Fire Department wish to remind residents of important warm weather safety tips.  

“It’s grilling season, and as the weather warms up it’ll soon be pool swimming season too,” Chief Mitchell said. “It’s a fun time of year for us all to get outside, but it’s important that everyone remembers to grill responsibly and practice safe swimming habits.”

According to a report issued by the National Fire Protection Association this April, approximately 10,200 home fires nationwide are started each year by grills.

The Massachusetts Department of Fire Services has several tips for grilling safely in the coming weeks and months:

Safety First

  • Propane and charcoal grills should only be used outdoors.
  • Place grills away from the house, deck railings and out from under eaves of overhanging branches.
  • Grills should only be used on first floor porches, decks, or patios if there is an outdoor stairway to the ground, or the porch is at ground level.
  • Keep children and pets at least 3 feet away from the grilling area. Children should never play near grills or propane cylinders.

Gas Grill Safety

  • Make sure the lid of a gas grill is open when you light it. Propane can build up inside and when ignited, the lid may blow off.
  • Check that all connections are tight before turning on the gas.
  • Clean the grease trap every time you grill.
  • Check the propane tank hose for potential leaks by applying a light soap and water solution to the hose using a brush or spray bottle. See if any bubbles appear around the hose. If no bubbles appear, the grill is safe to use.
  • If you smell gas while cooking, turn the grill off and move away from it. Call 911 from a safe location. Do not move the grill.
  • Store propane cylinders upright in an outdoor, shaded area. Cylinders should not be used, stored or transported where they can be exposed to high temperatures.

Charcoal Grill Safety

  • Use only charcoal starter fluid. Never used gasoline or kerosene to start a fire in a grill and never add lighter fluid to burning briquettes or hot coals.
  • Always use charcoal grills in a well-ventilated area. Charcoal briquettes emit carbon monoxide, which can be deadly.
  • Properly dispose of grill ashes. Allow the coals to burn out completely and then cool for 48 hours before disposal. If you must dispose of ashes before they are completely cooled, thoroughly soak them in water before putting them in a metal container.

Pool Safety:

According to the American Red Cross, 10 people die daily due to unintentional drowning and approximately 20% of those people are under the age of 14. 

Chief Mitchell is also urging residents to take heed of several pool safety tips this summer.

  • Per Massachusetts regulation, pools should be surrounded by a 4-foot-high barrier that encloses the pool and has an access gate that self-closes, locks and opens outward from the swimming area (even if you don’t have children).
    • Fasten a safety cover over the pool when it is not in use, and remove ladders to further prevent access into the pool. Pool alarms are required whenever a house door leads directly to a pool deck.
    • Never leave children unattended while they are in or near a pool, and make sure they have an adult to accompany them into the water. Young or inexperienced swimmers should always wear a life jacket or inflatable arm flotation devices.
    • Make sure children stay away from pool drains, pipes or any other openings to avoid getting trapped or hurt.
    • Set safety instructions and share them with family, friends, neighbors and anyone else who is near or uses the pool. Advise children to stay away from pool deep ends, and to always walk, never run near the pool.
    • Keep your pool or hot tub water clean and clear. Maintain proper chemical levels, circulation and filtration. Regularly test and adjust the chemical levels to minimize the risk of earaches, rashes or more serious diseases.
    • Never use the pool if the chemical levels are not correct, or if the water is cloudy and you can’t see the bottom.
    • Take a CPR course for adults and children to be prepared if an emergency situation occurs. Update skills regularly.
    • Watch the local weather reports and do not swim if thunderstorms are in the forecast.
    • Those who are 21 and older should drink responsibly if they choose to consume alcoholic beverages when by the pool. Overindulging increases the risk for injuries or accidental drowning.
    • Avoid using glass containers by the pool. They could break and leave glass around the pool or in the water.
  • For a complete listing of Massachusetts building code regulations regarding swimming pools, click here.

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Georgetown Fire Department Offers Hurricane Safety Tips

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Georgetown-MA-Alarm-Installation

Georgetown Fire Department
Fred A. Mitchell Jr., Fire Chief
47 Central Street
Georgetown, MA 01833

For Immediate Release

Monday, June 3, 2019

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Georgetown Fire Department Offers Hurricane Safety Tips

GEORGETOWN — As the Atlantic Hurricane Season begins this month, Chief Fred Mitchell and the Georgetown Fire Department are recommending a series of precautions for residents to read and understand in the event of a tropical storm or hurricane.

The Atlantic Hurricane Season began on Saturday, June 1, and will end on November 30. Historically, hurricanes and tropical storms in August and September have had the greatest impact on New England communities. 

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting a near normal hurricane season this year, which would result in between nine and 15 named storms. Between two and four of those storms are predicted to be major hurricanes. 

“There are a lot of factors that go into preparing for a hurricane, and now is a great time for residents to plan and familiarize themselves with safety tips,” Chief Mitchell said. “It’s essential to create a plan that meets the needs of everyone in your family, from grandparents, to toddlers, to your pets and for everyone to practice that plan.”

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has several safety tips for residents in the event of a hurricane or tropical storm in our area:

  • Stay informed by signing up for emergency alerts.
  • Develop a family emergency plan by establishing meeting locations, creating an emergency contact plan, planning how to evacuate and learning how to shelter in place. Practice your plan with your entire family, and make sure the plan accounts for individuals who have access needs, seniors, children and pets.
  • Acquaint yourself with the emergency plans at places where your family spends considerable time, such as your workplace or your children’s school.
  • Those receiving medical treatment or home health services can work with a medical provider to learn how to maintain care in the event of a hurricane that requires evacuation.
  • Create an emergency kit that includes items such as bottled water, a three day supply of non-perishable and ready-to-eat foods, can opener, radio, flashlight or lantern, batteries, cell phone and charger, wrench, pliers, prescription medications, personal hygiene items, change of clothe and shoes, important documents and identification materials, money, first aid kit, emergency whistle, waterproof matches/lighter and area maps. Individuals with young children should pack necessities such as diapers, wipes, formula and baby food. Those with pets should pack a collar, leash, harness, crate, food, bowls, current photo, license and medical information.
  • Follow instructions from public safety officials.
  • Maintain smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and check their batteries.
  • Contemplate purchasing a generator. If you do, be sure to familiarize yourself with the manufacturer’s instructions to use it safely. NEVER run a generator indoors, in a garage or with the exhaust facing the home or home air intakes.
  • Take photos or videos of your possessions to create a record for insurance purposes.
  • Prepare your home if a storm is coming by securing outdoor objects, clearing rain gutters, covering windows with shutters or plywood (do not use tape), turn off propane tanks that aren’t being used, elevate items in your basement in case of flooding, check your sump pump, unplug sensitive electronic equipment, clear nearby catch basins, park vehicles in areas that are unlikely to flood, and remove any boats from the water.
  • Do not go out during a hurricane or tropical storm, if possible.

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