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Honoring Deputy Chief Kevin Miller on 45 years

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Sunday afternoon the Halifax fire station was abuzz with enthusiasm and celebration in acknowledgement of one of their most distinguished members and the swearing in and welcoming of five new members.

Call Deputy Chief Kevin Miller reached a milestone of 45 years in his fire service career bringing congratulatory messages and plaques of recognition from the Halifax Board of Selectman, a citation of honorable service by Senator Mike Brady, former chiefs of the Halifax department, fellow current and retired firefighters, family, and friends.

As a call firefighter Miller has climbed the ranks with several opportunities to become a full-time member but he stayed the course keeping another full time job, raising a family, and now with his wife Kathy  celebrating their time with grandchildren. Although Miller will not retire until spring he was humbled by the well-wishers who gathered to celebrate his career milestone.

During the observances Fire Chief Jason Viveiros acknowledged the blending of the firefighter families.

” It is important to have our families here.   As firefighters we sometimes bring home the horrors that we have seen; our families are there to comfort us…I am pleased to have you here today to see some of the positive things we do. The swearing in and welcoming of a new firefighter is one of the great traditions of the fire services, “he said.

Among the firefighters who were sworn is call firefighter Jayne Pierce who brings with her a 21- year career in the fire services with a solid background as a skilled paramedic and EMT. Pierce who came out of retirement to accept the position was pinned by her husband, David.

Also sworn in by Halifax Town Clerk Barbara Gaynor were full time firefighters Joseph Gibbons, John Eaton, Adam Flaherty and Jordan Hill.

Viveiros praised the vast strengths and capabilities each of the firefighters will bring to Halifax fire service. He called them all a great new addition for the department.

Flaherty is also a veteran of Afghanistan.

Miller accepted several citations in recognition of his life achievements in the fire service.

Guest speaker and co-worker President of the Call Volunteer Association firefighter Rick Hayward recalled events over the years that he and Miller experienced together including well-worn gear, the old clutch fire trucks, and vehicles of past in Halifax. 

They rode on the back steps to calls in winter time with no covering was a memory in itself, he said. Hayward evoked laughter and memories for many who were in attendance as they offered their wishes for Miller to celebrate another few decades in the fire service.

Drug ODs, Car crashes in Halifax

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Halifax Police and Fire first responders put in a busy week with three reported drug overdoses.  The incidents were unrelated.  In each situation, patients were treated, two with NARCAN.  All three were taken to local hospitals.

There were two auto crashes, at the same location.

A Halifax man with potentially life-threatening injuries was freed using the “Jaws of Life” to free the man trapped in his vehicle after crashing into a tree on Thompson St., Rte. 105, at the intersection of Walnut St., just before 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 19.

The driver, whose name was not released at press time, was alone in his SUV.

The man was conscious and suffering from multi-system trauma.

After removing the passenger side door, crews were able to reach him. He was transported by Halifax EMS to Boston Medical Center. Due to poor weather, medical helicopters were not available to fly, according to Halifax Fire Chief Jason Viveiros.

At the same location on Thompson Street, Friday night at 5:59 p.m., a 46 year old man was taken to Brockton Hospital with non-life threatening injuries following a single car motor vehicle accident, hitting a tree.

Silver Lake Middle School “ELF” Performance Saturday night at 7 and Sunday afternoon at 2

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Get into the holiday spirit this weekend and enjoy an evening or afternoon performance of the Silver Lake Middle School Drama Club’s performance of Elf, The Musical, the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole.   Playing Buddy is Josie Cline of Halifax.

Performances will be Saturday night, Nov. 19, at 7 p.m. and Sunday afternoon, Nov. 20, at 2 p.m.

General admission tickets are $8, and students, children, and senior citizens are $6.  There are a limited number of reserve tickets on sale for $10.

Tickets will be sold at the door.  Doors will open 30 minutes before showtime.

The Silver Lake Middle School is at 256 Pembroke St., Rte. 27, Kingston, on the Silver Lake Regional campus.

Halifax COA Halloween Party

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The Halifax COA held their Halloween Party at the Great Hall in the Halifax Town Hall at noontime with entertainer Roger Ticknell from Shutesbury, MA, playing 50s and 60s music, dancing music and interactive entertainment with the audience.

Fire Chief Jason Viveiros and firefighters served lunch to the seniors, a tradition which we hope to continue from now on!

The pumpkins on each table and decorated on stage were done by the seniors more than two weeks ago as an event at the Council on Aging

Also, Joan & Harry Towne dressed up and decorated a scary dessert/beverage table. The Traveling Chef, Mark, came from Old Colony Elder Services to make vegetable & chicken Panini that were delicious.

Halifax new Quint Tower

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On Saturday, Oct. 29, the moment finally arrived when the pristine black and crimson Quint Tower pulled onto the apron of the Halifax Fire Department.

With the bay doors open the engine was turned around to face busy route 106 where residents and passersby honked and waved as they drove by.  Many families stopped in to try out the seat, hold the steering wheel and take selfies in the back of the cab.

The 2016 Rosenbauer Quint Tower was bought with a FEMA Grant ‘Assistance to Firefighters’ for $714,200.

The state of the art tower can hold 500 gallons of water has 1000 feet of large diameter hose, pumps 1500 gallons per minute and the aerial deck gun can be operated remotely from the ground, according to Halifax Fire Chief Jason Viveiros.

In the instance of limited manpower, the aerial can be operated without having someone in the bucket, he said.

The grant was received in July 2015 and the awarded bid went to Rosenbauer where the quint was manufactured and constructed at one of their plants in South Dakota.  It was then driven to Nebraska and then to Attleboro.

The 55,300 pound body of aluminum and galvanized steel ladder and frame was driven to Nebraska for a UL (Underwriter’s Laboratory) inspection, an independent company to properly accredit and certify that the engine was made as specified.

It then was moved for the last of its testing to check the fluids in Attleboro where it received a last once-over and tune up and complete detailing.

  Viveiros and LT. Billy Palma had taken two trips to the plant in South Dakota to check on the progress of the tower as it was being constructed and were able to address some issues that were corrected before it was shipped. In keeping with the colors of the existing fleet Halifax has had black over red starting around 2001, Viveiros told the Express.

The graphics and hues harmonize with the existing fleet.

Five firefighters can travel in the cab of the truck, two in the front and three in the back jump seats.

The technology in comparison with the old ladder from 1989 is tremendous.  The old engine will now go up for bid and no longer meets today’s safety standards.  It can never be used as a working fire apparatus again.

“It didn’t have a pump and didn’t carry water it took approximately eight to ten minutes to set up. The new tower is set up in two minutes, “ Viveiros said.

This week, staff will be transferring the equipment; new radios were installed, and an outside company will begin training us, said Viveiros.

“Everyone in town has been really happy – seeing a shiny, new fire truck.  We have received a lot of positive feedback. People have been stopping in and looking it over, he said.

  All three selectman welcomed the truck on Saturday.

“We are extremely happy,” he said.

There is a sealed bid starting at $100 for the old engine until Nov. 14 said Chief Viveiros. . For more information contact the selectman’s office.

Two pet oxygen kits given to HFD

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Dawn Corby of Canine Etiquette in Halifax presented Halifax Fire Department with two pet oxygen kits this week.

Captain Matthew Cunningham was on hand to receive the gifts Friday from Corby and place them on their engine and ambulance.

Corby who resides In Halifax wanted to let others know there are ways to easily order the masks online and donate them to a local department.

Her heart was touched this month following the fire at the Peck home on Thompson Street, which sadly took the life of an eight week old puppy named Beauford.  Unfortunately, the puppy had most likely succumbed to smoke inhalation prior to the arrival of fire personnel and was unable to be saved, but Corby hopes in other circumstances her masks will come in handy.

If worse comes to worst and the pet does need oxygen during their rescue, Halifax now has that equipment, she said.

Cunningham thanked Corby for her kindness.  He said in previous calls firefighters used adult/ child size oxygen masks with varied levels of success. The pet masks are ideal. Her generosity and thought are appreciated by the department, he said.

Labor Day Halifax house fire fueled by Hermine winds

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Labor Day was anything but a holiday for local fire departments who responded to a heavily engulfed house fire on Thompson Street. Onlookers who could see flames dialed 911.

The Halifax Fire Department responded at 1:05 p.m. Within two minutes, the fire was called to a second alarm, Halifax Chief Jason Viveiros told The Express.  Firefighters encountered heavy fire upon arriving at 415 Thompson Street and were there well into the evening as investigators from the State Fire Marshal’s office arrived to determine the cause.  The fire went to three alarms plus one additional engine and two ambulances for assistance but not a full fourth alarm, he said.

Homeowner John Peck and his adult son Joe were at the house after being alerted to the fire.  Family and friends stopped to console and offer support to the visibly upset and shaken family.  It was later confirmed that a pet did perish in the fire.

The dwelling, which is located on a retreat lot, had approximately 400 feet of driveway forcing crews to lay two four- inch hose lines over 500 feet each to reach the engines and pump water onto the flames.

The fire got a head start, said Viveiros. Flames had engulfed the entire back side of the original home. Firefighters worked tirelessly and were able to save the newer part of the second story home, which Viveiros said was inhabitable. Early estimated damages are at least $600,000.  The family is staying with local relatives.

Stored live ammunition, which was kept in the home, exploded due to the intense heat, sending shell casings toward firefighters and onlookers.  Two propane tanks self-vented because they were scorched in the flames, adding fuel to the fire, but that was early on and quickly controlled, he said.

Tropical storm Hermine’s wind gusts up to 30 mph added more than a few challenges for fire crews and bands of rain arrived later in the day.

No one was at the house when flames broke out.  There were no civilian injuries, however three firefighters were treated for heat and smoke related injuries, as well as one back injury. They were transported by EMS, treated and released at a local hospital.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the State Fire Marshal’s office.

Chief Viveiros acknowledged manpower and resources from the towns of Bridgewater, East Bridgewater, Pembroke, Hanson, Whitman, Middleboro and Plympton and the Department of Fire Services State Rehab Unit.   

D.A.R.E. program mixes fun, sobering safety messages

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There was a lot to be loud and proud about last week at the Drug and Alcohol Resistance Education (DARE) Summer Program held at host school Whitman-Hanson July 25-28 as more than 600 campers cheered for their teams and took over the grounds for fun and education in the sun.

With the temperature reaching 90 degrees nearly all week, campers had both in and outdoor activities where special guest performers and educators spoke to them about DARE and avoiding situations or substances that could potentially cause them harm.

Lead Camp Organizer Peter Veneto spoke to families, campers and staff at the closing ceremony on Friday as campers from 20 of the 27 communities within Plymouth County gathered to share a week of non-stop fun. The camp celebrated its 22nd year in Plymouth County and is sponsored by Plymouth County D.A Timothy J. Cruz., The Plymouth County Police Chiefs and Drug education and resource officers.

“Your behavior was fantastic,” Veneto said. “As campers you have earned your T-shirts — wear them proudly as leaders in the community. Let your friends know who you are: Leaders of a drug-free community. Be proud of yourselves.”

Host town DARE Officer Billy Frazier of Hanson asked for a moment of silence honoring law enforcement officers slain in the line of duty across the United States over the past few months, as well as three former DARE Officers who have passed away since the camp was established.

Awards honoring the former DARE Officers were presented to Peer Leader Liz Short of Hanson’s Team 5 in memory of Officer Robert Quigley of the Marshfield Police Department, student service awards were presented to Emma Wojag of Hanson in memory of Helen Gray and Brayden Ferguson of Whitman was presented with a student service award in memory of Officer Gerald Mont of Whitman police.

District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz pledged his efforts to continue the camp and reminded campers that it took many officers, and donations of food,  time, money and most of the things they were able to participate in were due to the generosity of so many local companies.

Cruz intends to see the camp grow and eventually have all 27 communities in Plymouth County have resource officers and participate in the camp.

On Tuesday, July 26 Cruz and Sherriff McDonald presented two Hanson natives — Chief Warrant 3 pilot Scott Landis and Anthony Celia — with recognition awards for their decade of service in the Army flying Black Hawk helicopters. The pair talked with campers after landing on the soccer field, giving a tour of equipment and allowing the kids to explore the aircraft.

Kudos

DARE Camp organizers thanked Fire Chief Jerome Thompson Jr. and the Hanson Fire Department for its help in making the Thursday, July 28, foam and water day a success as well as the following: Plymouth County Police Chiefs: Christopher Delmonte of Bridgewater; John Crowley of Brockton; Marc Duphily of Carver; Matthew Clancy of Duxbury; Scott Allen of East Bridgewater; Walter Sweeney of Hanover; Michael Miksch of Hanson; Glenn Olsson of Hingham; Robert Sawtelle of Hull; Frank Alivihiera of Lakeville; Philip Tavarers of Marshfield; Theodore Ross of Norwell; Richard Wall of Pembroke; Michael Botieri of Plymouth; Patrick Dillon of  Plympton; John Llewellyn of Rockland; Michael Stewart of Scituate; Kevin Walsh of Wareham; Victor Flaherty of West Bridgewater and Scott Benton of Whitman. Thanks were also extended to Chief Christopher Cummings of the Massasoit Community College Police and Plymouth County Sheriff Joseph McDonald Jr.

Plympton-Carver TRIAD 10th Anniversary Gala Luncheon

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This year marks the tenth year for Plympton and Carver TRIAD a group of local elders working together with fire and law enforcement to meet the needs of seniors.

Among the many who attended the event were both Plymouth County D.A Timothy Cruz and Sherriff Joseph McDonald along with local fire and police chiefs.

  Plymouth County D.A.  Timothy Cruz addressed those in attendance.

“Great job everyone. The seniors, law enforcement and fire working together… it really is a collective group who work together,”

On his public website the TRIAD efforts are described:  The Plymouth County TRIAD is a cooperative effort that consists of the district attorney, the sheriff, the local police chief, the local fire chief, the council on aging director, S.A.L.T. council members, seniors, and representatives from the supportive services that assist seniors in their community.

TRIAD assesses the needs of each community separately. Every community that adopts the TRIAD approach is able to tailor the needs of TRIAD to their seniors.

Sheriff Joseph McDonald commended Janine Eaton liaison for the TRIAD program and Resident Service Co-coordinator for Hallkeen Corporation at the Woodlands.

“We appreciate the cooperation and help for all the group has done and the hard work of Janine Eaton because without her there is no us,” said McDonald.

Keynote Speaker Alice Bonner Secretary of Elder services at the executive office of Governor’s affairs said their vision and mission is promoting the independence and empowerment of older adults and people with disabilities and their care givers so they will have access to the resources they need to live well and thrive in their community.

She has been traveling around the state in honor of Older American’s month, which was established by President John F. Kennedy in the 1960’s  to recognize the value and importance of adults in our community.

The theme this year is Blaze a Trail.

“There is no better example of blazing a trail than the Duxbury Police chief getting an idea and having you guys really make it happen…then sustaining it for the last ten years,” she said of the TRIAD members.

Bonner urged those in attendance to keep thinking about positive aging… “One of the really important things is being protected from elder abuse, financial exploitation and we need to build communities like this where people are looking out for one another,” she said.

Eaton also thanked longtime group members and founders of Plympton Carver TRIAD Plympton police Sergeant  Steven Teri,  Heidi Bassett (retired Carver police)Barbara Faherty  of D.A .Cruz’s office and Lissa Budge Johnson along with numerous others who have helped run all the programs  over the last decade.

Burn victim MedFlighted to Boston

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A young man in his thirties was burned over approximately 40% of his upper body after a gas grill explosion.  Crews responded for a call late Sunday afternoon to a reported propane tank explosion at 131 Lake Street in Plympton. “He was taken to a burn center in Boston. The victim did not breathe in the propane, which would have compromised his airway. This was a good indicator for the man’s recovery,” he said. The victim’s name has not been released due to medical privacy.      Following the investigation it appears that the man had started his grill and it went out.  As he went to re-ignite the grill, propane had pooled causing the explosion.

“Propane is used all the time but if used incorrectly it can be dangerous,” said Chief Warren Borsari.

Boston Med flight was requested to airlift the victim to Boston. The landing zone was at Billingsgate Farm, said Fire Chief Warren Borsari.