Athol unions oppose regionalizing dispatch
Police dispatcher Becky Isakson works inside the Athol Police Station on Thursday. Athol’s police, firefighters’ and dispatchers’ unions have submitted letters objecting to regionalization. Recorder Staff/Domenic Poli
Published: 9/23/2016 9:32:50 PM
ATHOL The town’s three emergency services unions have submitted letters objecting to proposed regionalization of their dispatching and blasting what members view as a mishandled process to achieve it.
Unions representing Athol’s firefighters, police officers and dispatchers filed formal opposition with the Board of Selectmen, which two of the letters contend did not properly gather input from the unions. The proposal is to consolidate Athol police and fire dispatch with that of Gardner and operate in a regional emergency communication center in the new Gardner police station.
ECOP program uses donated teddy bears and coloring books to comfort kids during traumatic calls
Gardner News
GARDNER A program aimed at helping children get through traumatic incidents will continue for a second year at the Gardner Police Department.
The Emergency Caring Officer Package (ECOP) program collects donated items such as stuffed animals, coloring books and puzzles. Police officers then keep a few of the items in their cruisers to be handed out to children who are in distress during certain traumatic calls.
“It’s helped us a lot, especially during these times in particular,” said Lt. Nicholas Maroni. “When we go to calls that involve children in high-stress situations, (this program) allows us to give the kids something to help comfort them.”