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Canton Firefighters Responding to Provide Support in Merrimack Valley and North Carolina

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Canton Fire Department
Chief Charles E. Doody
99 Revere St.
Canton, MA 02021

For Immediate Release

Friday, Sept. 14, 2018

Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: [email protected]

Canton Firefighters Responding to Provide Support in Merrimack Valley and North Carolina

CANTON — Chief Charles E. Doody reports that several members of the Canton Fire Department have been deployed and are on standby to provide support with emergency situations in the Merrimack Valley and North Carolina.

On Thursday night, dozens of explosions and fires were reported at several homes and buildings in Andover, North Andover and Lawrence, due to what is believed to be an issue with the gas service in those communities. One person has died and several others were injured.

On Friday morning, members of Canton Fire Department Ladder 1 were deployed to Lawrence as part of a Norfolk County task force assisting with operations in the affected communities. Lt. Ryan Patrician, Firefighter John Buckley, Firefighter Tom Brown, Firefighter Rowan Olmstead and Firefighter Keith Ryan will be going door-to-door in Lawrence to make sure that residents’ gas lines are shut off in their homes.

“We want to provide as much assistance as we can to those communities,” Chief Doody said. “Hopefully the situation will continue to deescalate throughout the day today and our hearts go out to those who have been impacted by this terrible incident.”

As Hurricane Florence made landfall in North Carolina and South Carolina yesterday, multiple Canton firefighters will be heading down to provide support and assistance to operations there.

Captain Andy Morgan and Captain Wendell Robery have been mobilized as part of the Norfolk County Technical Rescue Team as technical rescue specialists.

They will be deploying on Saturday morning to North Carolina where they will assist with rescue operations. Captain Morgan and Captain Robery are highly trained in water rescues, collapse rescues and high angle rescues.

They will be driving Canton Squad 1, a Ford F-550 truck, with a technical rescue trailer in tow full of necessary supplies and equipment.

In addition, Firefighter John Tsohandaridis, a flight medic for the Army National Guard, has been notified that he is on standby to go to North Carolina and South Carolina to assist with rooftop rescues. He is part of a Blackhawk helicopter battalion out of Barnes Air Force Base in Westfield.

“Canton is fortunate to have so many of its firefighters with the specialized training that allows them to assist others in need throughout the county and wherever else they may be needed,” Chief Doody said. “We are very proud of their commitment and wish for their safe return soon.”

Extra personnel have been called in and the Canton Fire Department will remain fully staffed in the coming days and weeks.

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Class of 2017 Students Graduate From Greater Lawrence Technical School

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Greater Lawrence Technical School
Superintendent John Lavoie
57 River Rd, Andover,
MA 01810

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, June 13, 2017

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

Class of 2017 Students Graduate From Greater Lawrence Technical School

ANDOVER — Superintendent John Lavoie is pleased to announce that 302 students graduated from Greater Lawrence Technical School last week.

On Thursday, June 8, at 6 p.m., seniors from 19 vocations earned their diplomas during a ceremony outside on the athletic field. 

Students of the 51st graduating class represent the communities of Lawrence, Andover, North Andover and Methuen.

Superintendent Lavoie praised students for their work over the last 12 years, recognizing that the expectations and demands students faced throughout the years have never been higher. Their future, he said, comes down to one question: Are they willing to continue to put in the effort, continue to work hard and continue to learn?

“You have already seen so much change in your short lifetimes, and through learning, you have adapted well to it,” Superintendent Lavoie said. “But I will tell you that what you have experienced up to this point is nothing compared to the changes you will see in the future. You cannot survive in any career, or—more importantly—grow within a career if you don’t commit yourself to learning throughout your life.”

Principal Elizabeth Freedman shared a collection of statements from students about how GLTS changed them throughout their four years at the school. From their career choice to their personal beliefs, students all had their own memories of how the school affected their lives.

Keynote Speaker Leo Lamontagne, chairman of the School Committee, asked students to walk through life with respect for themselves and others.

“Think about your experience here at GLTS,” Lamontagne said. “When you showed respect in the classroom or shop by getting things done on time as asked, you were shown respect. On the sports field, win or lose, no matter what sport it is, Reggies show respect, and our respect helps get us our results. The same is going to be true in your next journey.”

Valedictorian Christopher Molinari, of Methuen, noted that graduates come from a variety of backgrounds, and that each person that sat in the stadium is their own unique person. He encouraged his peers to follow their aspirations, whatever they may be, and to be their true selves, regardless of social norms, in all future endeavors.

Salutatorian Jennie Vuong, of Lawrence, quoted political figure Edmund Jennings Lee, who once said to surround yourself with those who see the greatness in you, even when you don’t see it in yourself. She carried that message throughout her speech, concluding that on the road to success, it is your friends and loved ones that will be there in times of need.

“I hope that one day the most important lesson I ever learned in my four years of high school resonates within you,” Vuong said. “Surround yourself with people who push you to become the best version of yourself and push you to pursue your dreams because each and everyone of us deserves all that the world has to offer.”

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North Andover Health Department Provides Residents With Back to School Sport Safety Tips

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Town of North Andover
Department of Public Health
Brian LaGrasse, Director of Public Health
1600 Osgood St.
Building 20, Unit 2035
North Andover, MA 01845

NorthAndoverMA-sealFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 781-533-9398
Email: [email protected]

North Andover Health Department Provides Residents With Back to School Sport Safety Tips

NORTH ANDOVER – As students prepare to return to school and participate in sports and recreational activities this fall, the North Andover Health Department is reminding residents of several safety tips to follow.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 2.6 million children ages 19 and under are treated in the emergency room each year for sports and recreation-related injuries.

“As students return to school sports and other activities in the next few weeks, it is vital that they are staying safe and remembering to drink lots of water,” said Brian LaGrasse, North Andover Director of Public Health. “Parents, coaches and teachers should keep an eye out for any signs of injury or dehydration and continue encouraging our youth to remain healthy and active.”

In order to ensure a safe back-to-school season for all, the North Andover Health Department encourages residents to follow these tips provided by the CDC:

• Gear up. When children are active in sports and recreation, make sure they use the right protective gear for their activity, such as helmets, wrist guards, knee or elbow pads.
• Use the right stuff. Be sure that sports protective equipment is in good condition, fits appropriately and is worn correctly all the time. For example, avoid missing or broken buckles or compressed or worn padding. Poorly fitting equipment may be uncomfortable and may not offer the best protection.
• Practice makes perfect. Have children learn and practice skills they need in their activity. Knowing how to tackle safely is important in preventing injuries in football and soccer. Have children practice proper form – this can prevent injuries during baseball, softball, and many other activities. Also, be sure to safely and slowly increase activities to improve physical fitness. Being in good condition can protect kids from injury.
• Pay attention to temperature. Allow time for athletes to gradually adjust to hot or humid environments to prevent heat-related injuries or illness. Parents and coaches should pay close attention to make sure that players are hydrated and appropriately dressed.
• Be a good model. Communicate positive safety messages and serve as a model of safe behavior, including wearing a helmet and following the rules.

Additionally, LaGrasse would like to remind residents to make sure athletes are applying sunscreen when they are outdoors, especially during the peak hours of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. when the sun’s UV rays are most harmful. Students participating in activities, practices or events that take place during peak mosquito hours, from dusk until dawn, should also be sure to use mosquito repellent to protect against West Nile Virus and eastern equine encephalitis (EEE).  

Anyone with questions or concerns about keeping their children safe during extracurricular sports and activities can contact the North Andover Health Department at 978-688-9540.

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North Andover Health Division Provides Residents Mosquito Safety Information

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Town of North Andover
Department of Public Health
Brian LaGrasse, Director of Public Health
1600 Osgood St.
Building 20, Unit 2035
North Andover, MA 01845

NorthAndoverMA-sealFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, Aug. 15, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 781-533-9398
Email: [email protected]

North Andover Health Division Provides Residents Mosquito Safety Information

NORTH ANDOVER — The North Andover Health Division is urging residents to take safety precautions to avoid mosquito transmitted illnesses after the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued a travel warning earlier this month, cautioning pregnant women and their partners against traveling to one area of Miami, Fla. where the Zika virus is present.

Zika virus, spread mostly by infected mosquitoes, can be sexually transmitted and also pass from a pregnant woman to her fetus. Infection during pregnancy can cause a birth defect of the brain called microcephaly, where an infant’s head is smaller than expected when compared to babies of the same sex and age. There is no vaccine or medication for Zika.

Currently, mosquitoes that spread the Zika virus have been found in tropical climates like Brazil, Central America, the Caribbean, and Southern Florida. The most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis (red eyes). Other symptoms include muscle pain and headaches and can last from a few days to a week.

The CDC recommends that:

  • All pregnant women in the United States should be assessed for possible Zika virus exposure during each prenatal care visit. 
  • Women with Zika should wait at least eight weeks, and men with Zika should wait at least six months after symptoms began to try and conceive.
  • Women and men who traveled to any area where Zika is present should wait at least eight weeks before trying to get pregnant.

Mosquitoes in Massachusetts are most prevalent from May to August, but remain active until the first time temperatures fall below freezing. Although the Zika virus has not been reported in Massachusetts, mosquitoes in this area can spread West Nile Virus and eastern equine encephalitis (EEE).

The North Andover Health Division is reminding residents to follow these tips provided by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health in order to avoid West Nile Virus and EEE:

• Use insect repellent with DEET any time you are outdoors. Be sure to follow the application directions on the label.
• Be aware of peak mosquito hours, which are generally from dusk to dawn. Wear protective clothing when outdoors during peak mosquito hours such as long sleeves, long pants, high socks, hats with netting to cover the face, and any other clothing that will cover exposed skin.
• Use mosquito netting around baby carriages or child playpens when your baby is outdoors.
• Make sure screens are repaired and are tightly attached to doors and windows.
• Remove standing water from places such as puddles, ditches, birdbaths and gutters, which are breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

“While not all mosquitoes carry these diseases, you should always be careful,” said Brian LaGrasse, North Andover Director of Public Health. “Take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your family against mosquitoes and contact your physician immediately if you have symptoms of any of these viruses.” 

Anyone with questions about how to keep themselves protected from mosquitoes should contact the North Andover Health Division at 978-688-9540.

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