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The jam-packed January meeting started the 2010 MSOL year off with a bang! The crowd packed the infamous China Moon in Stoneham for a meeting filled with many speakers! Retired Ofc Larry Rotondi of Stoneham had the honors of hosting the meeting – his replacement, Ofc Joe Ponzo and family welcomed the birth of his fourth child! Congratulations to the entire Ponzo family!
The meeting started off with Dick Towle of the FRA advising the members of some recent safety concerns at railroad crossings. There was recently a meeting held to discuss the gates closing on their own and staying down. After much discussion, it was determined that the reasoning behind the malfunction was the salt being dropped by the DPW’s. The FRA is appealing to DPW’s to stop salting the crossings in an effort to correct the problems. Recently, two MV’s (one being a marked cruiser), after waiting for some time, bypassed the gates and crossed with oncoming trains approaching. Please pass the word along to your DPW’s!
Domenic Dinatale (DARE – MA) and Cabot Dodge (MA DARE Officers Association) then spoke about their organizations. Currently there are only 70-80 active communities in the DARE program in MA. Since 2003, the numbers have dropped dramatically and there has been some regionalization between the New England States in order to provide more support and funding for the programs. Currently, there is training available in New Hampshire for anyone interested in becoming DARE certified. The training takes place at the National Guard Armory in Center Stafford, NH. If you request the training through Domenic, DARE – MA, has agreed to pay for the cost of the training and your stay at the National Guard Armory. The training is a two-week program and generally takes place in January and September. Please contact Domenic at 781-324-5055 for additional information.
Cabot Dodge, Retired – Marblehead PD, is currently focusing on the MA DARE Officers Association. They currently have 35 members and are looking to partner with other associations with the same focus – kids & safety. They have some members who may be interested in the MSOL and took some applications. They are also holding trainings and conferences. If you are interested in any of their happenings, please email Dodge at mpd049@comcast.net to be put on the mailing list.
Doug Meehan of Fox 25 News came in and spoke to the members after being contacted by fellow Westfield State Alumni Ofc Joe Ponzo of Stoneham. Doug stated that after 20 years in the industry he believes that open communication between the media and the police departments is what works best. His personal goal has always been to make a conscious effort to get accurate information out in an appropriate and timely manner. Both Ofc Bernie Schipelliti (Burlington) and Sgt Paul Sicard (Westwood) stated that working with Fox 25 has been a success in the past with not only putting information out, but with technology as well. Westwood had a video of a crime enhanced and improved by the station in order to improve the quality. Doug reported that any departments needing their assistance should call the assignment desk at 781-467-1300 – you can inform them of road closures due to construction, accidents or other events, events taking place in your community, information that needs to be put out to the public for their safety, or information where the public’s help is needed. On Thursday, January 7th, Doug wore one of the coveted MSOL pullovers during his segment and gave a shout out to the members, telling us to be safe and reminding the public to buckle up!
After many months, Larry Rotondi (retired Stoneham) was presented with his MSOL Chair for his numerous years of service with the League. Larry is staying on as a member during his retirement and even made it through the entire meeting without his cell phone ringing! The Members wish Larry much happiness during his retirement!
The issues with the website are being worked on and we do apologize for any and all inconveniences.
Gerry St Hillaire (RMV) is meeting with the MA Chiefs of Police and will be bringing a letter from MSOL President Paul Corcoran (Lowell) asking for their support. Paul is looking to invite Chiefs and/or officers from the various communities to the March Meeting. Please mark your calendars for this meeting as the more members present – the better to get the word out about the MSOL!
Please keep the family of Barbara Brown in your prayers. Barbara’s son, Harold Brown Jr. lost his life in Afghanistan. Harold worked for the State Department and is survived by his wife and three children. Services were held on January 9th in Massachusetts and along with the Bolton Police Department, many MSOL Members showed their support. Barbara has been a pillar with the MSOL for many years without missing a beat and we hope that she can find some comfort. If you would like to send Barbara a message or a note, she can be reached by email at HaroldEB@aol.com or by mail at P.O. Box 22 Bolton, MA 01740.
Upcoming events:
March Meeting – March 3rd Chelmsford Police Department
**Nomination Meeting
**Chief’s invited
April Meeting – April 7th Registry of Motor Vehicles
**Annual Meeting/Elections
**Registrar Rachel Kaprielian
**Recognition of Wilmington Ofc Louis Martignetti
May Meeting – May 5th Incoming President’s Meeting
**Ofc. Chris Harrington – Bolton PD
June Meeting – June 2nd (tentative) Danvers
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