Wednesday, September 30, 2020
ROCKLAND Various inquiries to PenBayPilot.com have been made concerning the status of the prosecution’s case against two former Rockland Police Officers who were charged Oct. 2, 2020, with aggravated felony cruelty for allegedly beating to death several porcupines on more than one occasion with a baton and while on duty.
As of May 19, and over seven months later, the cases have not been presented to the Knox County grand jury for possible indictments and the former officers have not been formally convicted, sentenced or fined for the charges.
When District Attorney Natasha Irving was asked May 4 about the status of the prosecution’s case against the two former police officers and why it was not included in the March Knox County grand jury session, she stated that it is, “still in negotiations, I think one waived grand jury and either way, we aren’t under deadline for gj yet.”
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Firefighters from Chicopee, Fitchburg given awards for search for missing children, rescue of woman from fire during Massachusetts Firefighter of the Year awards
Updated Mar 08, 2021;
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The ceremony, usually held with a live in-person audience, was virtual in 2021 amid the COVID pandemic.
“We’ve asked a lot of our public safety professionals over the last year, day after day, they showed up time and time again to do their jobs and keep us safe,” said Gov. Charlie Baker. “The brave men and women who run into burning buildings, jump into icy waters, pull people from burning cars and provide emergency medical help to those in need had their hands full in 2020.”
STOW Firefighters from Hanover, Hanson and Rockland were honored Monday, March 8 during the 31st annual Firefighter of the Year awards, which was held virtually this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gov. Charlie Baker, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, Public Safety and Security Secretary Thomas Turco and State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey announced the awards, which honor Massachusetts fire departments whose acts of bravery and public service made a difference in their communities during fiscal year 2020.
“While the last year has been different in so many ways, one thing that hasn’t changed is the way firefighters have continued to respond to every call for help, regardless of any threat to their own health or safety,” Baker said. “We are proud to honor their bravery and sacrifice through these awards and to reflect on their unwavering service.”
They were also with charged with misdemeanor counts of night hunting.
Cox was additionally charged with a misdemeanor count of using artificial light to illuminate wild animals and Rolerson with unlawful possession of implements or aids, another misdemeanor charge.
The former officers will appear Jan. 7 in Knox County Unified Court for a dispositional conference. The officers were initially to have appeared in court Nov. 9, but their attorneys filed an appearance on behalf of their clients to wave their appearances.
The purpose of the dispositional conference is for the defense attorneys to meet with the prosecution and a judge and discuss the merits of the evidence, the defense and any pretrial motions.