Father-of-three, twin parent, mentally ill, former reporter who likes pizza, history, sunsets, and speaking up for first responders.
Articles by Robert Mills
Dracut Police Department Charges Man in Connection with Domestic Stabbing
DRACUT — Chief Peter Bartlett reports that the Dracut Police Department arrested and charged a man in connection with a domestic incident and stabbing on Saturday night. SEBASTIAN DEGOUT, AGE 38, OF DRACUT, was arrested and charged with: Aggravated Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon on a Family or Household Member Mayhem On Saturday, March 15, at approximately 5:07 p.m., Dracut Police were called to the area of 18th Street for a report of a domestic incident in which a woman was stabbed.
Winthrop Harbormaster and Massachusetts Environmental Police Offering Newly Required Basic Safety Boating Course
WINTHROP — Town Manager Anthony Marino and Harbormaster Arthur Hickey share that the Winthrop Harbormaster’s Marine Unit, in conjunction with the Massachusetts Environmental Police, will be offering Basic Boating Safety courses at the Town Landing. The Massachusetts Legislature recently passed legislation requiring that anyone operating a motorized vessel in Massachusetts possess a Boater Safety Certificate by April 1, 2028.
Concord Police Department Invites Community to Help Name Comfort Dog
CONCORD — The Concord Police Department wants the community’s help in naming its department’s new comfort dog. The department has been working with Puddleduck Retrievers, a breeder based in Morrill, Maine, and will soon take custody of an 8-week-old male Labrador retriever who is slated to become the department’s new comfort dog. Comfort dogs provide support to those suffering through traumatic events and help to put people at ease during interactions with police.
MEDIA ADVISORY: Gloucester Police Department to Host Ribbon Cutting for Renovated Police Station and Court
GLOUCESTER – The Gloucester Police Department and City of Gloucester will hold a ceremony to celebrate the completion of a major renovation project at the Gloucester Police station and Gloucester District Court. Thursday, March 13, at 10:30 a.m. Gloucester Police Department, 197 Main St. Mayor Greg Verga Police Chief Edward Conley State Sen. Bruce Tarr Gloucester District Court First Justice Judge Michael A.
Gloucester Harbormaster Announces Temporary Closure of Waterway Under Blynman Bridge
GLOUCESTER — Harbormaster Chris Lucido reports that the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has scheduled construction work on the Blynman Bridge that will require closing the waterway. From March 16 to March 31, the Blynman Canal will be closed to all boat traffic because a structure that will have to be built under the bridge. The bridge will be in the down position for the duration of the work. There will also be a channel closure affecting even small craft.
Billerica Police Department Welcomes Seven New Officers from the Police Academy
BILLERICA — Chief Roy Frost is pleased to report that the Billerica Police Department is welcoming seven new police officers who graduated from police academies. Officers Aaron Welborn and Matthew Irwin graduated on Feb. 14 from the Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC) Police Academy in Haverhill. Officers Joseph Zuccaro, Aaron Sprague, Samuel Hawkes, and Thomas Cranson graduated on Feb. 28 from the MPTC Police Academy in Lynnfield.
Northborough Police Department Seeking Charges Against West Boylston Man in Connection with Altercation at Children's Soccer Game
NORTHBOROUGH – Police Chief Brian Griffin reports that the Northborough Police Department is seeking charges against a West Boylston man in connection with an assault that occurred at a children’s soccer game. On Saturday, March 1, at approximately 6 p.m., the Northborough Police Department was called to Teamworks, 185 Otis St., for a report of a fight on the field.
Dracut Fire Department Accepts Donation of Forcible Entry Training Door from Old Home Day Committee
DRACUT — Chief Michael Cunha is pleased to report that the Dracut Fire Department is already using a forcible entry training door that was donated to the department by the Old Home Day Committee. In a tradition that dates back years, the Old Home Day Committee uses part of the funds raised by each year’s Old Home Day and Firefighter Activity Day to benefit non-profits, community groups, and other organizations across the town.
Groveland Fire Department Responds to Brush Fire on West Newbury Town Line
GROVELAND — Fire Chief Robert Valentine reports that the Groveland Fire Department extinguished a brush fire caused by a downed power line on the Groveland/West Newbury line on Friday. On Friday, March 7, at approximately 1:25 p.m., the Groveland and West Newbury Fire Departments were notified of a brush fire in a remote area under high tension power lines in the area of Center Street and Webster Way on the town line.
Newburyport Fire Department Responds to Tree on Home
NEWBURYPORT — Fire Chief Stephen Bradbury III reports that the Newburyport Fire Department responded Friday when high winds blew a large tree onto a home. On Friday, March 7, at approximately 1:02 p.m., the Newburyport Fire Department was called to 372 High St. for a report of a tree that struck a home. Companies arrived to discover that high winds broke off a portion of a large pine tree and sent it falling into the roof of a home, causing significant damage.
Stoneham Police Department Recognizes Officer Brian Raffaelo as Officer of the Year
STONEHAM — Police Chief James O’Connor is pleased to report that the Stoneham Police Department is recognizing Officer Brian Raffaelo as the Stoneham Police Department Officer of the Year. Officer Raffaelo has been with the Stoneham Police Department since 2013, and previously worked for the Middlesex Sheriff’s Department. He is currently assigned to the Patrol Division on the evening shift. The Police Officer of the Year Award is meant to recognize exemplary work.
Casting a Wider Net: Tewksbury Police Department Now Hiring Officers Without Civil Service Examination
TEWKSBURY — Chief Ryan Columbus is pleased to report that the Tewksbury Police Department will now accept applications from a larger pool of potential police officers. Town Meeting approved a warrant article in 2023 petitioning the Governor and Legislature to remove the Department from hiring restrictions of the Massachusetts Civil Service Law. The Legislature concurred, and Gov.
Northeast Metro Tech Recognizes Vocational Student of the Year Steven Romero Hernandez
WAKEFIELD — Superintendent David DiBarri is pleased to share that Northeast Metro Tech has recognized student Steven Romero Hernandez as the school’s vocational student of the year. Steven, who is bilingual, is a senior from Chelsea studying Robotics and Automation. He has maintained a 4.39 GPA, ranking him third in the senior class, while also earning more than a dozen awards for his work on robotics and automation.
PHOTOS: Lowell Police Department Partners with Lowell Housing Authority to Take Youth Bowling
LOWELL — Superintendent Greg Hudon and Lowell Housing Authority Executive Director Tha Chhan are pleased to report that Lowell Police were able to go bowling and form relationships with youth from Lowell Housing Authority (LHA) properties and other city youth thanks to funding from the Shannon Community Safety Initiative. On Thursday, Feb. 20, members of Lowell Police Youth Services and School Resource Officers went bowling with 77 youths.
Stoneham Police Department Commends Officers and Detectives for Response to Bank Robbery
STONEHAM — Police Chief James O’Connor is pleased to report that the Stoneham Police Department issued commendations to several officers and detectives who were part of a successful investigation into a recent bank robbery. On Wednesday, Feb. 19, at 2:03 p.m., the Stoneham Police Department was called to the Citizen’s Bank branch inside of Stop and Shop at 259 Main St., for a report of an armed robbery. Officer Antonio Ventresca, Sgt.
Newport Police Partner with Vermont State Police Drug Task Force to Arrest Two on Drug Charges
NEWPORT — Chief Travis Bingham reports that Newport Police partnered with the Vermont State Police Drug Task Force to make two drug-related arrests on Friday. BRANDON COTE, AGE 34, OF NEWPORT, was charged with: Sale of Cocaine (Two Counts) Possession of Cocaine Possession of a Regulated Drug ROWENA JONES, AGE 35, OF NEWPORT, was charged with: Possession of Cocaine Possession of a Regulated Drug On Friday, Feb.
Statement from Stoneham Police Chief James O'Connor Regarding Former Employee
STONEHAM — The following is a statement from Stoneham Police Chief James O’Connor: “The Stoneham Police Department is aware that former Officer Joseph Ponzo has pleaded guilty to several federal charges involving illegal activities related to outside business ventures, which were entirely unrelated to Town funds or his employment with the department. Mr. Ponzo was sentenced on Friday, Feb. 28.
Gloucester Firefighters to Race Up 82 Flights of Stairs to Benefit the American Lung Association
GLOUCESTER — Fire Chief Eric Smith is pleased to report that members of the Gloucester Fire Department and Gloucester Firefighters Local 762 will race up 82 flights of stairs later this month to raise money for the American Lung Association. On Saturday, March 29, nine Gloucester Firefighters will be among those who race up the 41 stories of One Boston Place in Boston as part of the American Lung Association’s Fight for Air Climb.
Reading Police Department to Wear Patch to Raise Awareness of World Down Syndrome Day, Offering Patch to the Community
READING — Chief David Clark reports that the Reading Police Department will wear special uniform patches throughout the month of March in recognition of World Down Syndrome Day, and that the department is also offering the patches to community members in exchange for a donation to a local charity. World Down Syndrome Day is recognized on March 21 each year. It seeks to raise awareness of Down syndrome and to help people better understand and support those who have the genetic condition.
Northeast Metro Tech Design & Visual Communications Students Prepare Mock Advertising Campaigns for Local Automotive Group
WAKEFIELD — Superintendent David DiBarri is pleased to report that Design & Visual Communications students at Northeast Metro Tech recently prepared mock advertising campaigns for a local automotive group. Earlier this year, senior Design & Visual Communications students in the Studio 12 design firm which is part of Instructor Brian Peluso’s shop prepared multi-touch mock campaigns for Kelly Automotive Group, based in Danvers.
Tewksbury Police Department Responds to Fatal Crash Involving a Pedestrian and a Bus
TEWKSBURY — Chief Ryan Columbus reports that the Tewksbury Police Department responded Monday to a fatal crash involving a pedestrian and bus. On Monday, Feb. 24, at approximately 11:45 a.m., the Tewksbury Police Department was dispatched to the area of Stadium Plaza, on Main Street, for a report of a crash involving a pedestrian. Officers arrived to discover that a pedestrian was struck by a Lowell Regional Transit Authority bus that was on a planned route in the plaza’s parking lot.
Tyngsborough Police Department Welcomes New Officer from Police Academy
TYNGSBOROUGH — Chief Shaun Woods is pleased to announce that a new officer has joined the ranks of the Tyngsborough Police Department following his graduation from the Massachusetts Police Training Committee (MPTC) Northern Essex Community College Police Academy. The graduation ceremony, held on Friday, Feb.
Maynard Police Department Re-Accredited by the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission
MAYNARD — Chief Michael Noble is pleased to share that the Maynard Police Department was re-accredited by the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission. The re-accreditation award was presented on Feb. 12 at the Marlborough Country Club. Accreditation lasts three years, meaning the department will remain accredited until 2028 when it undergoes a reaccreditation process once again. The Maynard Police Department has been accredited since 2015.
Manchester-by-the-Sea Police Earn Re-Accreditation from the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission
MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA — Chief Todd Fitzgerald is pleased to report that the Manchester-by-the-Sea Police Department earned re-accreditation from the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission (MPAC). The re-accreditation award was presented on Feb. 12 at the Marlborough Country Club. Accreditation lasts three years, meaning the department will remain accredited until 2028 when it undergoes a reaccreditation process once again.
Wenham Fire Department and Mutual Aid Partners Respond to Serious Injury Crash on Route 128
WENHAM – Chief Stephen B. Kavanagh reports that the Wenham Fire Department and mutual aid partners responded Wednesday to a serious injury crash on Route 128. On Wednesday, Feb. 19, at approximately 2:45 p.m., Wenham Police and Fire were called to Route 128 Northbound near the Beverly line for a report of a rollover crash. Deputy Chief Jeffrey Baxter and Wenham Police were the first to arrive on scene, and they reported that the only occupant of the vehicle involved was trapped.
Stoneham Fire Department Notifies Community of Planned Blasting Operations
STONEHAM — Chief Matthew Grafton would like to inform the community that there will be blasting at the Stoneham High School construction site beginning on Friday, March 21. Maine Drilling & Blasting will be conducting blasting operations at Stoneham High School, 149 Franklin St., beginning on Friday, March 21. Blasting is expected to continue periodically for about a month as the company removes a rock ledge to facilitate utility installations.
Brotherhood: Dracut Fire Department Holds Gender Reveal for New Firefighter and Family
DRACUT — Chief Michael Cunha is pleased to report that off-duty Dracut Firefighters held a special gender reveal for a new member of the Dracut Fire Department family who is expecting a child. Firefighter Nehemiah Carter is an 8-year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps who has served with the Dracut Fire Department for just over a year. Firefighter Carter serves on Engine 1, stationed at Fire Department Headquarters on Pleasant Street.
Dracut Police Department Charges Lowell Man with Trafficking Cocaine
DRACUT — Chief Peter Bartlett reports that the Dracut Police Department charged a Lowell man with trafficking cocaine and other charges as a result of a proactive traffic stop. ANTHONY DIXON, AGE 45, OF LOWELL, was arrested and charged with: Trafficking Cocaine (Over 36 Grams) Operating with a Suspended License (Subsequent Offense) Speeding Distribution of a Class B Substance Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute On Monday, Feb.
West Bridgewater Police Investigating Discovery of Credit Card Skimmers at a Local Store
WEST BRIDGEWATER — Chief Timothy Nixon reports that the West Bridgewater Police Department is investigating after credit card skimmers were located Thursday at a store in town. On Thursday. Feb. 13, an employee of Trucchi’s Supermarket at 53 East Center St. reported that what was believed to be credit card skimmers had been discovered. A skimmer is an illegal installation on ATMs, fuel pumps or point of sale (POS) systems that allow scammers access to customers’ credit card information.
Burlington Police Department Promotes Two Detectives to Sergeant
BURLINGTON — Chief Thomas Browne is pleased to share that the Burlington Police Department promoted two detectives to sergeant in a ceremony held on Monday night. Detectives Patrick Lyons and Christopher Kelly were both promoted from Detective to Sergeant. Sgt. Lyons grew up in Burlington and graduated from Westfield State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice.
Tyngsborough Police Department Investigating Hateful Graffiti
TYNGSBOROUGH — Police Chief Shaun Woods reports that the Tyngsborough Police Department is investigating an incident in which swastikas and hateful graffiti were written near an electric vehicle charging station. On Tuesday, Feb. 11, at approximately 10 p.m., the Tyngsborough Police Department was called to the area of 440 Middlesex Road for a report of hate speech written on asphalt near the Tesla charging stations.
Northeast Metro Tech Highlights the Growing Success of DECA Chapter
WAKEFIELD — Superintendent David DiBarri is pleased to share that Northeast Metro Tech’s DECA Chapter is continuing to enjoy success, expanding its membership and sending more students than ever to state and national competitions. Upon returning from the national DECA competition last year, three of the DECA Chapter’s nine vice presidents decided to team up to work toward increasing the chapter’s membership.
Northeast Metro Tech Recognizes Student-Athletes Who Placed at the Massachusetts Vocational Wrestling Championships
WAKEFIELD — Superintendent David DiBarri is proud to recognize nine of the members of the Northeast Metro Tech wrestling team who distinguished themselves at the Massachusetts Vocational Wrestling Championships, including three athletes who won state championships. The championship tournament was held Saturday, Jan. 25 at Greater Lowell Technical High School in Tyngsborough. Northeast Metro Tech had 25 student-athletes take part in the tournament, with nine turning in distinguished performances.
Lowell Police Department Partners with Lowell Public Schools to Offer a Class in Criminal Justice
LOWELL — Lowell Police Superintendent Greg Hudon and Lowell Public Schools Superintendent Liam Skinner are pleased to report that the Lowell Police Department has partnered with Lowell Public Schools to create a class in Criminal Justice at Lowell High School. The Introduction to Criminal Justice Pathways course at Lowell High School began on Tuesday, Jan. 28.
Dracut Police Department Recognizes K9 Viper Upon Retirement; Welcomes K9 Rogan
DRACUT — Chief Peter Bartlett is pleased to report that the Dracut Police Department is recognizing the career of K9 Viper, who recently retired, and welcoming K9 Rogan to the department. K9 Viper has served with the Dracut Police Department and his partner, Officer Zach Coleman, for 11 years, and was certified as a Patrol and Narcotics Detection K9. Viper had hundreds of deployments over the course of his career, and located numerous missing persons and suspects.
Gloucester Fire Department Welcomes New Member from Massachusetts Firefighting Academy
GLOUCESTER — Fire Chief Eric Smith is pleased to report that the Gloucester Fire Department’s newest member graduated from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy. Firefighter Samuel M. LoGrande graduated Friday from the 327th Career Recruit Training class at the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy. Firefighter LoGrande is a Gloucester native, and continues a family tradition as he joins the Gloucester Fire Department.
Billerica Police Department Charges Man in Connection with Breaking and Entering
BILLERICA — Chief Roy Frost announces that the Billerica Police Department arrested a man in connection with a series of break-ins at a local storage facility. MICHAEL PAYNE, AGE 49, OF NO KNOWN ADDRESS, was arrested and charged with: Receiving Stolen Property (Two Counts) Breaking Into a Depository (Two Counts) Malicious Destruction of Property On Thursday, Jan.
Methuen Police Department Participates in Polar Plunge to Benefit the Special Olympics of Massachusetts
METHUEN — Methuen Police Chief Scott McNamara is pleased to report that the Methuen Police Department participated this week in a Polar Plunge event to benefit Special Olympics of Massachusetts and came out as the top fundraising team. On Monday, Jan. 20, members of the Methuen community participated in a Polar Plunge at Nicholson Stadium. The overall event raised $26,892 for Special Olympics of Massachusetts.
Massachusetts Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators Hosts Training on the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act and the Stop Campus Hazing Act
The Executive Board of the Massachusetts Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (MACLEA) is pleased to announce that MACLEA and Endicott College hosted training on the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act and the Stop Campus Hazing Act. On Thursday, Jan.
Tyngsborough Police Promote Cynthia Shay to Lieutenant
TYNGSBOROUGH — Police Chief Shaun Woods is pleased to report that Tyngsborough Police Sgt. Cynthia Shay was promoted to the rank of lieutenant, making her the highest ranking female officer in the department’s history. On Monday, Jan. 27, before the Select Board, Lt. Cynthia Shay was sworn in and recognized for an outstanding career. She becomes the first female lieutenant and the highest ranking female officer in the department’s history.
Groveland Fire Department Extinguishes Chimney Fire in Home on King Street
GROVELAND — Chief Robert Valentine reports that the Groveland Fire Department responded Monday to a chimney fire in a home on King Street. On Monday, Jan. 27, at approximately 5:19 p.m., the Groveland Fire Department was called to 152 King St., for a report of a possible structure fire. Companies arrived to find a fire in a wood stove’s metal chimney. Companies quickly stretched a line to keep the fire contained to the chimney.
Dracut Fire Department Extinguishes Two-Alarm Fire in a Home
DRACUT — Chief Michael Cunha reports that the Dracut Fire Department responded Thursday to a two-alarm fire in a home on Nashua Road. On Thursday, Jan. 23, at approximately 7:02 a.m., the Dracut Fire Department was called to 240 Nashua Road for a report of a structure fire. Engine 3 was the first company to arrive at the scene, and found smoke showing from the roof of the home. The home’s sole occupant evacuated on her own.
Dracut Fire Department Receives $17,554 Grant from Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant Program
DRACUT — Chief Michael Cunha is pleased to report that the Dracut Fire Department received a $17,554 grant from the Fiscal Year 2025 Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant program. Fire departments across Massachusetts were invited to apply to the Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant program, which provides reimbursement on purchases of 135 different types of eligible equipment.
Taunton Police Department Responds to Motor Vehicle Crash
TAUNTON — Chief Edward Walsh reports that the Taunton Police Department responded Tuesday to a serious motor vehicle crash. On Tuesday, Jan. 21, at approximately 3 p.m., the Taunton Police and Fire Departments were called to the intersection of Somerset Avenue and Silverwood Drive for a report of a motor vehicle crash. Police arrived to find a two-vehicle crash involving a Toyota Corolla and a Kayo mini-motorcycle. The driver of the car, a 17-year-old Taunton female, was not injured.
Massachusetts Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators Hosts Annual Awards & Scholarship Ceremony
The Executive Board of the Massachusetts Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (MACLEA) is pleased to announce that it hosted its annual Awards and Scholarship Ceremony on Friday, Jan. 10 at Framingham State University, honoring multiple campus police officers and administrators for their contributions to their campuses and the law enforcement profession.
PHOTOS: Dracut Fire Department Holds Pushing In Ceremony to Christen New Fire Engine
DRACUT — Chief Michael Cunha is pleased to report that the Dracut Fire Department held a traditional pushing in ceremony to christen a new fire engine that is replacing the department’s aging Engine 1. A pushing in ceremony is a tradition that hails from the days when firefighters used horse-drawn carriages, and would push carriages back into the fire station by hand after returning from each call.
UPDATE: Billerica Police Arrest Third Suspect in VFW Break In and Safe Theft
BILLERICA — Chief Roy Frost announces that the Billerica Police Department arrested a third suspect in connection with a break-in at a local VFW post. PETER GEORGE POULAKOS, 32, OF LOWELL, was arrested and charged with: Breaking & Entering Nighttime for Felony Conspiracy Larceny Over $1,200 Break Into Depository Larceny from a Building On Monday, Jan. 13, around 8 a.m., police were called to the Solomon VFW Post, 12 Phiney St., for a report of a break-in and stolen safe.
Billerica Police Arrest 2 Suspects Linked to VFW Safe Theft
BILLERICA — Chief Roy Frost announces that the Billerica Police Department made two arrests Wednesday in connection with the theft of a safe from a local VFW Post. CHRISTOPHER JOHN SILVA, 53, OF LOWELL, is charged with: Breaking & Entering Nighttime for Felony Conspiracy Larceny Over $1,200 Break Into Depository Larceny from Building SAN SIN, 47, OF LOWELL, is charged with: Conspiracy Larceny Over $1,200 Break Into Depository Larceny from Building On Monday, Jan.
Hopkinton Fire Department Rescues Tree Worker Stuck in Bucket Truck
HOPKINTON — Fire Chief Gary Daugherty reports that the Hopkinton Fire Department rescued a tree worker who had become stuck in a bucket truck this morning. On Tuesday, Jan. 14 at approximately 11:40 a.m., the Hopkinton Fire Department responded to a call for assistance at 298 Hayden Rowe St. after a tree worker became stuck about 65 feet in the air.
Ipswich Fire, Police Departments Respond to Structure Fire
IPSWICH — Fire Chief Paul Parisi and Police Chief Paul Nikas report that the Ipswich Fire and Police Departments responded Friday afternoon to a fire in the attached garage of a home. On Friday, Jan. 10, at about 2:15 p.m., the Ipswich Fire and Police Departments were called to 41 Labor in Vain Road by multiple 911 calls reporting a fire. Police arrived first, confirmed there was a fire, and ensured there was no one inside the home.
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