By John Lee Grant |
Haverhill City Councilor Timothy J. Jordan. (WHAV News file photograph by Jay Saulnier.)
The business of running a city is not just about how money should be spent, but also when. This was demonstrated this week in a matter showing Haverhill’s mayor and City Council do not always see eye to eye.
It became apparent when Councilors Colin F. LePage and Timothy J. Jordan expressed frustration with the lack of movement on a proposal to hire a social worker to accompany police on certain calls. The request, made two months ago by Haverhill Police Chief Alan R. DeNaro, received the full support of the City Council. Since then, however, to Jordan’s dismay, the mayor has taken no action and said he’ll consider it only during the next budget, which begins July 1.
Upcoming retirements mean major changes in the leadership of Haverhill’s public safety departments.
Two recruitment efforts are already underway in City Hall to replace Fire Chief William F. Laliberty and Deputy Police Chief Anthony L. Haugh. Both men retire this month after decades of service. Mayor James J. Fiorentini says he is also looking ahead to the retirement of Police Chief Alan R. DeNaro.
“DeNaro has already told us he is nearing retirement age. He is going to be retiring shortly so we want to have some continuity in the department,” he said.
As WHAV reported first last November, Laliberty is retiring after 34 years as a Haverhill firefighter and four and a half years as chief. Similarly, Haugh retires after serving on the police force 33 years the last five as deputy.
By WHAV Staff |
January 12, 2021
Haverhill firefighters respond to a fire at the Wadleigh House, 170 Main St., Haverhill. (Jarvi Productions photograph for WHAV News.)
The man burned in a fire early Sunday morning was “smoking in bed” while using medical oxygen.
Formal determination of the fire’s cause came yesterday afternoon from Haverhill Fire Chief William F. Laliberty, Haverhill Police Chief Alan R. DeNaro and State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey
“When oxygen is used in the home, the amount of oxygen in the air, furniture, clothing, and hair goes up, making it easier for a fire to start and spread, whether or not the oxygen machine is running,” said a press release from Ostroskey’s office.
Council Vice President Colin F. LePage. (WHAV News file photograph.)
Haverhill city councilors want regional and state help in easing the crisis of homelessness especially during the era of COVID-19.
The Council, led by Council Vice President Colin F. LePage, unanimously agreed last week to reach out to Mayor James J. Fiorentini, the state legislative delegation and surrounding cities and towns for help. Jeanine Murphy, CEO of Emmaus House, said her organization’s programs are being stretched to their limits this year as a result of COVID-19 and the need for social distancing.
“Normally, in the wintertime, we can go up to 45 people, but we’re not going to be able to do that this winter because we’re at our max in terms of maintaining social distancing and safe protocols,” she explained.
Haverhill city councilors backed a proposal by Police Chief Alan R. DeNaro to hire a social worker to help police better work with residents experiencing issues ranging from suicide prevention to drug addiction. Citing several, recent, high-profile incidents between police and people with mental health issues, DeNaro told the City Council Tuesday he wants to […]