By Lisa E. Crowley
BrocktonPost—If Mayor Linda Balzotti follows the recommendation of the Brockton City Council and approves a two or three-year lookback period on disputed water bills, many residents like Bob Ford believe their problems may be solved and await Balzotti’s decision, however, many believe it should not be the last step to resolve the problems in the Department of Public Works.
Ford, who was the first resident to make his water bill problem public last August and has had his bill reduced to $12,000—an amount he refuses to pay and believes is erroneous--said he believes if either the two or three-year lookback is enacted he should get a refund.
“I think I will be completely vindicated,” Ford said. “I should get a refund. I wonder if I should charge 14 percent interest,” he added.
Ford and a group of other residents in Brockton United Voices which formed last fall after the water billing debacle began, are waiting patiently for Balzotti to decide if she will follow the City Council’s recommendation made Monday, July 25.
Balzotti, in a telephone interview, said she is in favor of a lookback period that would limit how many years the water department can charge residents on disputed bills and could save many thousands, but is not sure if a two-year or three-year restriction will make an impact on the city’s treasury and other areas.
“I have not had the opportunity to see what the implications are,” Balzotti said. She said along with not knowing what it would cost the water department, it is unclear how many of 700 accounts that have been identified as having problems or disputes.
She said if she approves the lookback policy, it would include businesses and commercial entities, too.
“It’s at the utmost top of my agenda. I want residents to be at ease, but I have to find out what the ramifications are between the two-year and three-year,” Balzotti said. “I’m amenable to a lookback, but I don’t know what the implications will be,” she said.
Balzotti said she will make a decision “as soon as possible” and has made the information and decision a priority, but noted there are vacations and other issues slowing the process this week.
She could not give a timeline when she might make a decision.
Estimates of much money a two or three-year limit would cost were unavailable. Speculation from residents ranged from $25,000 to a possible $1 million or more.
While officials analyze the costs to the city, residents and business owners have been analyzing the costs to their pocketbooks and peace of mind, with many calling for new management in the water department and public works.
Ford said he believed if city officials only charge him for two or three years use of water, he should be given a refund.
He doesn’t know if he will get it, and is not sure if he will have to fight for some of his money back.
Since the beginning he has called for the removal of many of the water department’s heads, including Director Michael Thoreson and Brian Creedon.
Ford’s outspokenness and provocative remarks have not won him any friends in the water department or with some city officials.
“There’s an election coming up,” Ford said, noting resident Ron Matta will attempt to unseat Balzotti.
Stoughton resident Gerald Goulston, who refuses to pay a water bill that was lowered from $22,000 to $11,000 and now is at $8,500 on a Westside Brockton home, believes the whole matter has been handled badly, but hopes for some people the lookback brings closure to a harrowing problem.
“The lookback is a concession, yes, and the lookback policy might help some people, but what about all those people who have had their lives turned upside down,” Goulston said. “There are a lot of issues that remain unresolved,” he said.
Goulston said much damage has been done to many residents who had liens put on their property for not paying disputed bills—a situation that ballooned many residents’ monthly mortgage payments and in some cases may have triggered foreclosures on homes.
“People in the city are so sick and tired of it, so tired of fighting it. They knew there was a problem in 2005 and when problems started they blamed the residents. What they did was so wrong,” Goulston said.
“People in Brockton will not have any faith in the Brockton Water Department until there is a change—a management change,” he said.
City Councilor-at-large Jass Stewart said he hopes the new lookback policy will help, but, like Balzotti, doesn’t know what the impact of limiting the number of years the city seeks to bill for potentially used water.
Stewart said he voted in favor of the two-year along with the other city councilors because it is a way to help residents.
“We don’t know how much is at stake, but I feel like these residents have been through the ringer over this,” Stewart said. “The city is culpable for having so many estimated bills for so long,” he said.
David Kruger, a Newton resident who owns two homes in Brockton, said the whole situation has been maddening for residents, especially when people began to research how similar situations were handled elsewhere, and although not a Brockton resident, believes Thoreson, who Kruger said treated him well, may not be the best person to lead the public works department.
“Get someone in there who knows what they’re doing,” Kruger said. “The DPW is not performing well,” he said.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Balzotti Decision Holds Fate Of Water Bill Dispute Costs
Monday, July 25, 2011
Rox Employee Robbed Of Deposit Money
By Lisa E. Crowley
BrocktonPost
BROCKTON--Brockton Police continue to investigate a "snatch-and-grab" of about $900, a portion of the night's proceeds at Campanelli Stadium following Saturday night's game between the Rox and the Newark Bears.
Capt. Manuel Gomes said police received a call at 10:48 p.m. from the stadium reporting a suspect robbed a female employee of a bag money containing a portion of the night's proceeds.
"She had the bag torn from her possession," Gomes said, noting no weapons were shown.
The suspect then ran toward the parking lot at Brockton High School.
Gomes said the woman who had the bag stolen and other employees tried to chase the man, but could not locate him.
The suspect is described as a very tan white male, about 5-feet, 8-inches tall, about 18 or 19 years old, and stocky.
Saturday night police searched for the man who was described as wearing a white tank top and black shorts.
Police scoured the area around Brockton High, Belmont Street and Forest Avenue.
Gomes said a Brockton Police canine was brought in, but the suspect could not be found.
At about 11:15 p.m. many fans in the parking lot said they did not know a robbery had taken place.
Many leaving the stadium at that time were family or friends of players with no idea anything had happened.
An employee pointed questions to the front office.
Rox officials could not be reached for comment, however a press release about the game Saturday night, July 23 notes it was an exceptional night because of a promotion of the most expensive hot dogs ever sold and a visit to the stadium by former Patriot Troy Brown and his wife Ayla.
The three most expensive hot dogs, called K-O's after the team's mascot and covered in truffle shavings, porcini dust and topped with caviar, sold for $80 each.
Rox officials plan to submit the sales to Guiness Book of World Records to defeat another record set in New York last summer. The New York hot dogs sold for $69.
It is the second time this month police had to respond to a robbery at the stadium.
Three Brockton teenagers and a juvenile were arrested at Campanelli Stadium Sunday, July 3 after police received a call at 9:38 p.m. that several youths were seen in the stadium after it was closed and maybe stealing liquor from the stadium.
Each suspect was charged with felony breaking and entering and possession of liquor under 21.
Click here for police log entry about July 3 breaking and entering.
BrocktonPost
BROCKTON--Brockton Police continue to investigate a "snatch-and-grab" of about $900, a portion of the night's proceeds at Campanelli Stadium following Saturday night's game between the Rox and the Newark Bears.
Capt. Manuel Gomes said police received a call at 10:48 p.m. from the stadium reporting a suspect robbed a female employee of a bag money containing a portion of the night's proceeds.
"She had the bag torn from her possession," Gomes said, noting no weapons were shown.
The suspect then ran toward the parking lot at Brockton High School.
Gomes said the woman who had the bag stolen and other employees tried to chase the man, but could not locate him.
The suspect is described as a very tan white male, about 5-feet, 8-inches tall, about 18 or 19 years old, and stocky.
Saturday night police searched for the man who was described as wearing a white tank top and black shorts.
Police scoured the area around Brockton High, Belmont Street and Forest Avenue.
Gomes said a Brockton Police canine was brought in, but the suspect could not be found.
At about 11:15 p.m. many fans in the parking lot said they did not know a robbery had taken place.
Many leaving the stadium at that time were family or friends of players with no idea anything had happened.
An employee pointed questions to the front office.
Rox officials could not be reached for comment, however a press release about the game Saturday night, July 23 notes it was an exceptional night because of a promotion of the most expensive hot dogs ever sold and a visit to the stadium by former Patriot Troy Brown and his wife Ayla.
The three most expensive hot dogs, called K-O's after the team's mascot and covered in truffle shavings, porcini dust and topped with caviar, sold for $80 each.
Rox officials plan to submit the sales to Guiness Book of World Records to defeat another record set in New York last summer. The New York hot dogs sold for $69.
It is the second time this month police had to respond to a robbery at the stadium.
Three Brockton teenagers and a juvenile were arrested at Campanelli Stadium Sunday, July 3 after police received a call at 9:38 p.m. that several youths were seen in the stadium after it was closed and maybe stealing liquor from the stadium.
Each suspect was charged with felony breaking and entering and possession of liquor under 21.
Click here for police log entry about July 3 breaking and entering.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Detour On Pleasant and West Streets
BrocktonPost
BROCKTON--Traffic will be detoured in the area of Pleasant of West streets beginning Tuesday, July 19 beginning at 7 a.m. for a repaving project.
Work is expected to last about a week--depending on weather conditions.
The northbound lane of West Street will be closed to through traffic.
Pleasant Street will also be closed to east bound traffic from West Street.
Due to this road work, expect delays when traveling in this area.
Vehicles will be detoured from West Street to Birchview Avenue and onto Lenox Street and onto Pleasant Street.
Detours for these streets will be set in the field by the Brockton Police Department.
Please seek alternate routes during this period to avoid delays and prevent vehicle damage.
BROCKTON--Traffic will be detoured in the area of Pleasant of West streets beginning Tuesday, July 19 beginning at 7 a.m. for a repaving project.
Work is expected to last about a week--depending on weather conditions.
The northbound lane of West Street will be closed to through traffic.
Pleasant Street will also be closed to east bound traffic from West Street.
Due to this road work, expect delays when traveling in this area.
Vehicles will be detoured from West Street to Birchview Avenue and onto Lenox Street and onto Pleasant Street.
Detours for these streets will be set in the field by the Brockton Police Department.
Please seek alternate routes during this period to avoid delays and prevent vehicle damage.
New Policy Limits 3-year "Look Back" In Disputed Water Bills
By Lisa E. Crowley
BrocktonPost
BROCKTON—Brockton City Council Finance Committee voted Monday night to limit the number of years the water department can charge residents for disputed bills—a move officials hope will help struggling residents and business owners, but at least one bill payer isn’t buying into the policy change.
“They’ve ruined so many people’s lives with their negligence,” said Gerry Goulston, a former Stoughton selectman who is fighting the city over a $6,000 bill for two commercial buildings in Brockton.
Goulston said despite policy and procedure changes surrounding a year-long look at billing problems in the water department, he and others have suffered at the hands of city officials and will not relinquish any other rights, such as a hearing with the state Appellate Tax Board.
Monday night July 18 the City Council Finance Committee met to hear recommendations from water department Director Michael Thoreson and Chief Financial Officer John Condon who were asked many questions about the water billing problem that began last August.
City Councilors voted to restrict to 3 years the amount of billing cycles the water department can “look back” at a bill when there might be a problem between the customer’s actual meter read and an estimate.
Many of the problems surrounding residents’ bills—most notably those over $10,000—stem from many years of estimated bills, some going back 5, 6, 10 or more years.
Mayor Linda Balzotti said she supported the 3-year limit, especially if 11 of 12 City Councilors, Chris MacMillan was absent, could come to an agreement on the new policy.
“Now we have a concrete plan to deal with these problems today and in the future,” Balzotti said after the nearly 2-hour discussion.
The City Council is expected to reaffirm the vote, Monday, July 25, when it holds its next regular meeting.
Balzotti said the 3-year policy could save thousands of dollars for many residents who are battling the city over their water bills.
A panel comprised of Thoreson, Condon and City Auditor Heidi Chuckran will take another look at 39 disputed bills—a group of bills that include some of the most outrageously high bills that have arisen during the last year.
However, Balzotti said, there likely will not be 100 percent satisfaction among the 39, and Balzotti noted water customers still have the State Appellate Tax Board to fight their bills.
Nearly all of the 39 have taken their cases to the State Appellate Tax Board.
Monday’s meeting was a followup to a presentation and recommendations two weeks ago from audit consultants The Abrahams Group and Woodard and Curran, who noted numerous problems within the water department—including a lack of training and the underutilization of billing software programs.
Thoreson and Condon last night said the water department problems could have been managed much better, however any pointed questions about management or mismanagement surrounding the situation went unasked after City Solicitor Philip Nessralla advised at the beginning of the session that personnel matters, such as management issues, should be avoided for privacy and confidentiality reasons.
Earlier during the finance committee meeting councilors were told the city-wide installation of new meters for all residential and commercial buildings will likely begin next week.
Condon said the project originally estimated at $18 and $11 million, will actually cost much less because bids came in at about $6.3 million and the state notified the city about a month ago it would forgive interest payments—saving the city more than $2 million.
Condon said the project is now totaled at just over $4 million.
Condon and Thoreson have said part of the problems associated with the water billing situation stemmed from an antiquated metering and billing system that utilizes at least three different meter reading processes and limited report-generation from the city's MUNIS system--a largescale billing system used by a majority of municipalities.
City officials have said the new meters and equipment will be compatible with MUNIS and reports that identify problem billing situations will be flagged quickly--unlike unusually high bills that were sent to residents last year sparking the current controversy.
Representatives of several contractors performing the new meter installation work said computers will go online later this week and workers will begin installing new meters and other equipment next week.
Letters to the first 100 water customers requesting appointments be scheduled for the work will begin this week, officials said.
Officials said installers will be registered with Brockton Police, have photo identification and clearly marked vehicles.
A video about the installation will be posted on the city’s website—possibly in several languages.
Anyone who has questions about the installation process can call 1-888-709-9944.
BrocktonPost
BROCKTON—Brockton City Council Finance Committee voted Monday night to limit the number of years the water department can charge residents for disputed bills—a move officials hope will help struggling residents and business owners, but at least one bill payer isn’t buying into the policy change.
“They’ve ruined so many people’s lives with their negligence,” said Gerry Goulston, a former Stoughton selectman who is fighting the city over a $6,000 bill for two commercial buildings in Brockton.
Goulston said despite policy and procedure changes surrounding a year-long look at billing problems in the water department, he and others have suffered at the hands of city officials and will not relinquish any other rights, such as a hearing with the state Appellate Tax Board.
Monday night July 18 the City Council Finance Committee met to hear recommendations from water department Director Michael Thoreson and Chief Financial Officer John Condon who were asked many questions about the water billing problem that began last August.
City Councilors voted to restrict to 3 years the amount of billing cycles the water department can “look back” at a bill when there might be a problem between the customer’s actual meter read and an estimate.
Many of the problems surrounding residents’ bills—most notably those over $10,000—stem from many years of estimated bills, some going back 5, 6, 10 or more years.
Mayor Linda Balzotti said she supported the 3-year limit, especially if 11 of 12 City Councilors, Chris MacMillan was absent, could come to an agreement on the new policy.
“Now we have a concrete plan to deal with these problems today and in the future,” Balzotti said after the nearly 2-hour discussion.
The City Council is expected to reaffirm the vote, Monday, July 25, when it holds its next regular meeting.
Balzotti said the 3-year policy could save thousands of dollars for many residents who are battling the city over their water bills.
A panel comprised of Thoreson, Condon and City Auditor Heidi Chuckran will take another look at 39 disputed bills—a group of bills that include some of the most outrageously high bills that have arisen during the last year.
However, Balzotti said, there likely will not be 100 percent satisfaction among the 39, and Balzotti noted water customers still have the State Appellate Tax Board to fight their bills.
Nearly all of the 39 have taken their cases to the State Appellate Tax Board.
Monday’s meeting was a followup to a presentation and recommendations two weeks ago from audit consultants The Abrahams Group and Woodard and Curran, who noted numerous problems within the water department—including a lack of training and the underutilization of billing software programs.
Thoreson and Condon last night said the water department problems could have been managed much better, however any pointed questions about management or mismanagement surrounding the situation went unasked after City Solicitor Philip Nessralla advised at the beginning of the session that personnel matters, such as management issues, should be avoided for privacy and confidentiality reasons.
Earlier during the finance committee meeting councilors were told the city-wide installation of new meters for all residential and commercial buildings will likely begin next week.
Condon said the project originally estimated at $18 and $11 million, will actually cost much less because bids came in at about $6.3 million and the state notified the city about a month ago it would forgive interest payments—saving the city more than $2 million.
Condon said the project is now totaled at just over $4 million.
Condon and Thoreson have said part of the problems associated with the water billing situation stemmed from an antiquated metering and billing system that utilizes at least three different meter reading processes and limited report-generation from the city's MUNIS system--a largescale billing system used by a majority of municipalities.
City officials have said the new meters and equipment will be compatible with MUNIS and reports that identify problem billing situations will be flagged quickly--unlike unusually high bills that were sent to residents last year sparking the current controversy.
Representatives of several contractors performing the new meter installation work said computers will go online later this week and workers will begin installing new meters and other equipment next week.
Letters to the first 100 water customers requesting appointments be scheduled for the work will begin this week, officials said.
Officials said installers will be registered with Brockton Police, have photo identification and clearly marked vehicles.
A video about the installation will be posted on the city’s website—possibly in several languages.
Anyone who has questions about the installation process can call 1-888-709-9944.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Stewart To Seek Reelection To Councilor-At-Large Seat
By Lisa E. Crowley
BrocktonPost
BROCKTON--Brockton City Councilor-at-large Jass Stewart has decided he will run for reelection to the council instead of seeking a shot at the mayor's seat.
"It's official. I’m seeking reelection to the City Council this November because Brockton needs leaders who are ready to shake up the status quo, hold people accountable, and inspire a new trust in our government," Stewart states in an email announcing a campaign fundraiser at Tamboo restaurant July 31.
Stewart could not immediately be reached for further comment.
Stewart came close to winning election to the mayor's seat against James Harrington and contemplated another run after a group of high school students recently launched a petition urging him to run for mayor and offering their support.
Candidates have until 5 p.m. Friday, July 29 to pull nomination papers to seek office.
Nomination papers must be returned to the Elections Commission by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 2
BrocktonPost
BROCKTON--Brockton City Councilor-at-large Jass Stewart has decided he will run for reelection to the council instead of seeking a shot at the mayor's seat.
"It's official. I’m seeking reelection to the City Council this November because Brockton needs leaders who are ready to shake up the status quo, hold people accountable, and inspire a new trust in our government," Stewart states in an email announcing a campaign fundraiser at Tamboo restaurant July 31.
Stewart could not immediately be reached for further comment.
Stewart came close to winning election to the mayor's seat against James Harrington and contemplated another run after a group of high school students recently launched a petition urging him to run for mayor and offering their support.
Candidates have until 5 p.m. Friday, July 29 to pull nomination papers to seek office.
Nomination papers must be returned to the Elections Commission by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 2
Good Sam Nurse, Girl Scout Send Fresh Socks To Troops
Submitted by Jennifer Kovalich, marketing manager, Good Samaritan Medical Center
BrocktonPost
BROCKTON – As a nurse, Susan Bradley knows how important it is for U.S. servicemen to keep their feet clean and dry to avoid infections and other illnesses in the sweltering heat of Afghanistan.
When she learned that her son, U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Richard Wencek, 21, and his unit did not have running water in Afghanistan to launder their socks and needed a new pair every few days, she worked with the Good Samaritan Medical Center’s Mission program to launch a sock drive for troops in need.
The response has been overwhelming.
“I expected to get a few packages. My whole kitchen table is full,” said Bradley, of Weymouth, who has worked at Good Samaritan for 34 years.
From June 28 through June 30, Good Samaritan Medical Center ran a sock drive at the hospital at 235 N. Pearl St. and its off-site locations.
Boxes decorated with patriotic garlands and American flags were placed in various spots and employees began to quickly fill them up with boot-length socks to be sent overseas.
After the first day, the medical center had collected nearly 200 pairs of new socks for the troops.
“I think I hit a nerve with a lot of people,” Bradley said. “It feels good to do something for our servicemen who are deployed,”she said.
Bradley's son Richard Wencek was deployed to Afghanistan in May.
His first deployment last year was on a U.S. Navy ship in the Mediterranean.
Before reaching their mission destination, that ship, the USS Nassau, stopped to provide aid in Haiti following an earthquake that devastated Port-au-Prince in January of 2010.
In emails from his base in Afghanistan, Bradley said her son has told her temperatures there have soared to 125 degrees Fahrenheit during the day.
Sand, dirt and the lack of running water to do laundry have made it difficult for troops to keep their socks clean and their feet dry.
“The clean socks will help prevent foot fungus, infections and blisters,” she said.
One Good Samaritan employee who wishes to remain anonymous has offered to match all the donations made by hospital employees who are veterans.
That employee, a U.S. Air Force veteran of the Gulf War, says his service experience taught him to appreciate the value of fresh, clean, dry socks and spurred his desire to help troops who are serving now.
Bradley is a member of Proud Mass. Marine Moms. The group is made up of about 100 people.
They will package and ship the donated socks to troops overseas soon after the Fourth of July.
To help the group offset shipping costs Amanda Kramer, 12, of East Taunton donated $400 that she raised as part of a community service project in preparation for her upcoming Bat Mitzvah in the fall.
One of her friend’s fathers also previously served in Afghanistan.
“I wanted to do something to help others and by donating this money, I will be able to help a lot of our soldiers,” Kramer said.
Monique Aleman, Vice President of Mission, Community Partnerships and Communication at Good Samaritan, said the generous spirit of employees exemplifies the intent of the hospital’s Mission program which is dedicated to doing good for others.
“We are proud of all of our employees who showed their patriotic spirit in helping to keep our servicemen and servicewomen healthy while on the front lines,” Aleman said.
Bradley said the outpouring of support has been heartwarming and greatly appreciated.
“Everybody is thrilled to participate,” she said.
(Top photo: Susan Bradley, left, with Amanda Kramer. Courtesy Good Samaritan Medical Center)
BrocktonPost
BROCKTON – As a nurse, Susan Bradley knows how important it is for U.S. servicemen to keep their feet clean and dry to avoid infections and other illnesses in the sweltering heat of Afghanistan.
When she learned that her son, U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Richard Wencek, 21, and his unit did not have running water in Afghanistan to launder their socks and needed a new pair every few days, she worked with the Good Samaritan Medical Center’s Mission program to launch a sock drive for troops in need.
The response has been overwhelming.
“I expected to get a few packages. My whole kitchen table is full,” said Bradley, of Weymouth, who has worked at Good Samaritan for 34 years.
From June 28 through June 30, Good Samaritan Medical Center ran a sock drive at the hospital at 235 N. Pearl St. and its off-site locations.
Boxes decorated with patriotic garlands and American flags were placed in various spots and employees began to quickly fill them up with boot-length socks to be sent overseas.
After the first day, the medical center had collected nearly 200 pairs of new socks for the troops.
“I think I hit a nerve with a lot of people,” Bradley said. “It feels good to do something for our servicemen who are deployed,”she said.
Bradley's son Richard Wencek was deployed to Afghanistan in May.
His first deployment last year was on a U.S. Navy ship in the Mediterranean.
Before reaching their mission destination, that ship, the USS Nassau, stopped to provide aid in Haiti following an earthquake that devastated Port-au-Prince in January of 2010.
In emails from his base in Afghanistan, Bradley said her son has told her temperatures there have soared to 125 degrees Fahrenheit during the day.
Sand, dirt and the lack of running water to do laundry have made it difficult for troops to keep their socks clean and their feet dry.
“The clean socks will help prevent foot fungus, infections and blisters,” she said.
One Good Samaritan employee who wishes to remain anonymous has offered to match all the donations made by hospital employees who are veterans.
That employee, a U.S. Air Force veteran of the Gulf War, says his service experience taught him to appreciate the value of fresh, clean, dry socks and spurred his desire to help troops who are serving now.
Bradley is a member of Proud Mass. Marine Moms. The group is made up of about 100 people.
They will package and ship the donated socks to troops overseas soon after the Fourth of July.
To help the group offset shipping costs Amanda Kramer, 12, of East Taunton donated $400 that she raised as part of a community service project in preparation for her upcoming Bat Mitzvah in the fall.
One of her friend’s fathers also previously served in Afghanistan.
“I wanted to do something to help others and by donating this money, I will be able to help a lot of our soldiers,” Kramer said.
Monique Aleman, Vice President of Mission, Community Partnerships and Communication at Good Samaritan, said the generous spirit of employees exemplifies the intent of the hospital’s Mission program which is dedicated to doing good for others.
“We are proud of all of our employees who showed their patriotic spirit in helping to keep our servicemen and servicewomen healthy while on the front lines,” Aleman said.
Bradley said the outpouring of support has been heartwarming and greatly appreciated.
“Everybody is thrilled to participate,” she said.
(Top photo: Susan Bradley, left, with Amanda Kramer. Courtesy Good Samaritan Medical Center)
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Four Brockton Firefighters Receive Honors For Rescues
BrocktonPost
BROCKTON--Four Brockton firefighters have been awarded the first Chief Edward L. Burrell Commendation Ribbon for performing rescues above and beyond the call of duty.
Capt. Scott Albanese, Capt. Shawn Kerr, and firefighters Erick Leonard and Roger Dwyer have been named the first recipients of the new award as an acknowledgement of their efforts during blazes in March and May.
"While we stress that firefighting is a team effort, there are those rare occasions where an individual or individuals have gone beyond the norm with a great second effort," said Fire Chief Richard Francis in a prepared statement.
A ceremony was held June 7, 2011 to honor the four firefighters.
Capt. Scott Albanese and firefighter Erick Leonard received the inaugural ribbon for the rescue of a woman during a fire at 4 Northfield St. on March 17 at 2:17 a.m.
The fire began behind a stove in a second-floor apartment.
When firefighters arrived several tenants were outside, but one man told firefighters his 39-year-old sister Darlene Blanchard, a worker at Brockton High's cafeteria, was still inside, and firefighters received reports there might be others.
Firefighters went into the building and found extreme heat and zero visibility as a crew made its way to a doorway to the second floor.
Without benefit of a hose line, Kerr and Dwyer began a difficult search for the missing woman.
After many minutes, crews advanced a hose line to the doorway of the second floor and forced the door open while encountering heavy fire, heat and smoke.
With the hose, the fire was knocked back enough for firefighters to gain entry to the apartment, but abandoning the hose line "with no regard for their personal safety" continued to search for the missing woman.
"A great second effort" by members resulted in Leonard finding a small door partially blocked by an unconscious body.
The door would not open, and with the help of Albanese, the pair forced the door off its hinges and found Blanchard unconscious in a bathroom.
The pair then began the difficult task of bringing Blanchard through the thick smoke down to ground level where an ambulance was waiting to bring her to the hospital.
Unfortunately, Blanchard was pronounced dead at Signature HealthCare Brockton Hospital.
The second floor apartment did not have smoke detectors.
Capt. Shawn Kerr and firefighter Roger Dwyer were commendated for their rescue of 46-year-old Lisa Trevains who was trapped in the basement of a two family house at 75 Melrose Ave., May 6 that was reported at about 11:15 p.m.
Upon arrival, crews found intense heat and dark conditions in the house and were pointed to what has been described as an illegal basement apartment where the woman lived.
Confronted by flames, heat and darkness, Albanese and Dwyer searched the basement without a hose line and found Trevains unconscious near a bed about 5 to 6 feet from the door the firefighters had entered moments before.
Albanese and Dwyer then retraced their steps and raced Trevains to an ambulance where emergency crews administered CPR and tried to revive her.
Trevains was pronounced dead at Brockton Hospital following the rescue.
Chief Francis said the department is proud of all its members, but the four firefighters went above and beyond the call of duty in their efforts.
"They upheld the finest traditions of the Brockton Fire Department," Francis said.
Photo above from left to right: back row: Deputy Chief Michael Williams, Captain Shawn Kerr, Firefighter Roger Dwyer, Chief Richard Francis, Mayor Linda Balzotti, Firefighter Erick Leonard, Captain Scott Albanese, Deputy Chief Timothy Murphy. front row: retired Chief Edward Burrell.
BROCKTON--Four Brockton firefighters have been awarded the first Chief Edward L. Burrell Commendation Ribbon for performing rescues above and beyond the call of duty.
Capt. Scott Albanese, Capt. Shawn Kerr, and firefighters Erick Leonard and Roger Dwyer have been named the first recipients of the new award as an acknowledgement of their efforts during blazes in March and May.
"While we stress that firefighting is a team effort, there are those rare occasions where an individual or individuals have gone beyond the norm with a great second effort," said Fire Chief Richard Francis in a prepared statement.
A ceremony was held June 7, 2011 to honor the four firefighters.
Capt. Scott Albanese and firefighter Erick Leonard received the inaugural ribbon for the rescue of a woman during a fire at 4 Northfield St. on March 17 at 2:17 a.m.
The fire began behind a stove in a second-floor apartment.
When firefighters arrived several tenants were outside, but one man told firefighters his 39-year-old sister Darlene Blanchard, a worker at Brockton High's cafeteria, was still inside, and firefighters received reports there might be others.
Firefighters went into the building and found extreme heat and zero visibility as a crew made its way to a doorway to the second floor.
Without benefit of a hose line, Kerr and Dwyer began a difficult search for the missing woman.
After many minutes, crews advanced a hose line to the doorway of the second floor and forced the door open while encountering heavy fire, heat and smoke.
With the hose, the fire was knocked back enough for firefighters to gain entry to the apartment, but abandoning the hose line "with no regard for their personal safety" continued to search for the missing woman.
"A great second effort" by members resulted in Leonard finding a small door partially blocked by an unconscious body.
The door would not open, and with the help of Albanese, the pair forced the door off its hinges and found Blanchard unconscious in a bathroom.
The pair then began the difficult task of bringing Blanchard through the thick smoke down to ground level where an ambulance was waiting to bring her to the hospital.
Unfortunately, Blanchard was pronounced dead at Signature HealthCare Brockton Hospital.
The second floor apartment did not have smoke detectors.
Capt. Shawn Kerr and firefighter Roger Dwyer were commendated for their rescue of 46-year-old Lisa Trevains who was trapped in the basement of a two family house at 75 Melrose Ave., May 6 that was reported at about 11:15 p.m.
Upon arrival, crews found intense heat and dark conditions in the house and were pointed to what has been described as an illegal basement apartment where the woman lived.
Confronted by flames, heat and darkness, Albanese and Dwyer searched the basement without a hose line and found Trevains unconscious near a bed about 5 to 6 feet from the door the firefighters had entered moments before.
Albanese and Dwyer then retraced their steps and raced Trevains to an ambulance where emergency crews administered CPR and tried to revive her.
Trevains was pronounced dead at Brockton Hospital following the rescue.
Chief Francis said the department is proud of all its members, but the four firefighters went above and beyond the call of duty in their efforts.
"They upheld the finest traditions of the Brockton Fire Department," Francis said.
Photo above from left to right: back row: Deputy Chief Michael Williams, Captain Shawn Kerr, Firefighter Roger Dwyer, Chief Richard Francis, Mayor Linda Balzotti, Firefighter Erick Leonard, Captain Scott Albanese, Deputy Chief Timothy Murphy. front row: retired Chief Edward Burrell.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Brockton Police Chief Urges Calm In Wake Of West Elm Shootings
By Lisa E. Crowley
BrocktonPost
BROCKTON—Brockton Police Chief William Conlon said his officers as well as State Police have taken steps to curtail increases in violence during the summer months, including the potential for retaliation after a double murder over the July 4th weekend involving known drug dealers and gang members.
“When you have situations like this it’s often what you don’t see, what is happening behind the scenes—a lot of the times what’s behind the scenes is what’s really going on—finding out who is responsible for it,” Conlon said.
In the wake of the killings of 24-year-old Valter Monteiro (Pictured above) and 21-year-old Adilson Tavares, Conlon said police are reaching out to family and friends of the two victims to not take any kind of action or retaliation against anyone distraught relatives or friends might think were responsible for the shooting and crash into a parked vehicle at 426 West Elm St.
“As far as we’re concerned it’s not a random act. We want to bring these people to justice and while we’re doing that we want to prevent any sort of retaliation by those who may have a propensity to lash out, or retaliate,” Conlon said.
“If their friends perceive a rival gang was responsible for this…even the perception is enough for someone to retaliate and retaliation leads to more retaliation. Why complicate the situation. We urge them to stay calm and it’s not always easy,” Conlon said.
Friends and family of Monteiro and Tavares have left flowers, candles, notes and other objects as a makeshift memorial around the tree next to the driveway at 426 West Elm St. where the car the two were driving smashed into the homeowner's parked vehicle.
While some of the steps being taken are behind the scenes, what people will see is an increased presence of Brockton and State Police canvassing the city streets, in part because of an expected increase in crime during the summer months, including more patrols for the Brockton Fair which wraps up Sunday.
Also, marked cruisers from the State Police’s specialized anti-crime unit Community Action Team, or CAT, have been deployed throughout the city.
Conlon said last week’s Operation Street Sweeper II that resulted in the arrests of 28 alleged crack, cocaine and heroin dealers and in many cases put them behind bars for, hopefully, extended lengths of time is another step in trying to prevent problems before they become bigger problems--such as the weekend's homicide.
Conlon said Brockton was one of 15 Massachusetts cities or towns that had shootings or murders, including four in Boston and the suspected strangling of a Wayland teenager by her former high school sweetheart and football star.
Conlon, 57, last week announced he would retire at the end of the year after 26 years on the Brockton Police Department and six as chief.
He said six years as chief is enough.
Conlon said in October his pension will max out, the economic situation and staffing levels look like they won’t be getting better, so he will take the opportunity to max out, too.
“It looks like a good time to move on and do something else,” Conlon said.
He said the department has 173 members and for a city the size of Brockton, about 95,000 people, the police department should have about 230 to 240 officers.
He said the department has not rebounded from layoffs in the 1990s when the force lost more than 30 officers, and he is amazed and proud at how much officers do—in large part because of overtime, which has members “work, work, and work.”
BrocktonPost
BROCKTON—Brockton Police Chief William Conlon said his officers as well as State Police have taken steps to curtail increases in violence during the summer months, including the potential for retaliation after a double murder over the July 4th weekend involving known drug dealers and gang members.
“When you have situations like this it’s often what you don’t see, what is happening behind the scenes—a lot of the times what’s behind the scenes is what’s really going on—finding out who is responsible for it,” Conlon said.
In the wake of the killings of 24-year-old Valter Monteiro (Pictured above) and 21-year-old Adilson Tavares, Conlon said police are reaching out to family and friends of the two victims to not take any kind of action or retaliation against anyone distraught relatives or friends might think were responsible for the shooting and crash into a parked vehicle at 426 West Elm St.
“As far as we’re concerned it’s not a random act. We want to bring these people to justice and while we’re doing that we want to prevent any sort of retaliation by those who may have a propensity to lash out, or retaliate,” Conlon said.
“If their friends perceive a rival gang was responsible for this…even the perception is enough for someone to retaliate and retaliation leads to more retaliation. Why complicate the situation. We urge them to stay calm and it’s not always easy,” Conlon said.
Friends and family of Monteiro and Tavares have left flowers, candles, notes and other objects as a makeshift memorial around the tree next to the driveway at 426 West Elm St. where the car the two were driving smashed into the homeowner's parked vehicle.
While some of the steps being taken are behind the scenes, what people will see is an increased presence of Brockton and State Police canvassing the city streets, in part because of an expected increase in crime during the summer months, including more patrols for the Brockton Fair which wraps up Sunday.
Also, marked cruisers from the State Police’s specialized anti-crime unit Community Action Team, or CAT, have been deployed throughout the city.
Conlon said last week’s Operation Street Sweeper II that resulted in the arrests of 28 alleged crack, cocaine and heroin dealers and in many cases put them behind bars for, hopefully, extended lengths of time is another step in trying to prevent problems before they become bigger problems--such as the weekend's homicide.
Conlon said Brockton was one of 15 Massachusetts cities or towns that had shootings or murders, including four in Boston and the suspected strangling of a Wayland teenager by her former high school sweetheart and football star.
Conlon, 57, last week announced he would retire at the end of the year after 26 years on the Brockton Police Department and six as chief.
He said six years as chief is enough.
Conlon said in October his pension will max out, the economic situation and staffing levels look like they won’t be getting better, so he will take the opportunity to max out, too.
“It looks like a good time to move on and do something else,” Conlon said.
He said the department has 173 members and for a city the size of Brockton, about 95,000 people, the police department should have about 230 to 240 officers.
He said the department has not rebounded from layoffs in the 1990s when the force lost more than 30 officers, and he is amazed and proud at how much officers do—in large part because of overtime, which has members “work, work, and work.”
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Second Man Dies In Suspected Drug-Related Shooting, Crash
By Lisa E. Crowley
BrocktonPost
BROCKTON--A second man involved in a shootout and car crash late Sunday night has died, officials said.
Assistant Plymouth County District Attorney Catherine Ham said 21-year-old Adilson Tavares, of Brockton, died Tuesday morning of injuries sustained in the shooting and crash that followed at 426 West Elm St.
Valter Monteiro, 24, also of Brockton, died Monday, July 4 at Good Samaritan Medical Center shortly after the shooting and crash that was reported at 11:39 p.m., Sunday, July 3.
Ham said the two men were in the same vehicle, and not in separate vehicles, as previously reported, and leaving the Westfield Estates condominiums near where the car crashed, when someone opened fire on them.
With passenger and driver riddled with bullets, the vehicle lost control and smashed through shrubs and a small fence near the driveway of 426 West Elm St.
The car the two men were in crashed into another vehicle parked in the driveway, Ham said, and both vehicles burst into flame.
Fire Chief Richard Francis said both men suffered from multiple gun shot wounds.
Ham did not give a motive for the shooting, however police officers who spoke on condition of anonymity said it was one drug dealer taking care of another.
Monteiro was arrested along with Tavares on Jan. 14, 2010. The two were charged with possession and distribution of marijuana.
Brockton and State Police continue to investigate.
No one has been arrested in connection with the incident, however Judith Davis-Scott, 65, the owner of the home at 426 West Elm St. where the crash took place, was arrested and charged with interfering with a police officer in performance of duty and disorderly conduct. Around the 2 minute, 15 second mark in the above video, Davis-Scott can be heard yelling as police detain her.
BrocktonPost
BROCKTON--A second man involved in a shootout and car crash late Sunday night has died, officials said.
Assistant Plymouth County District Attorney Catherine Ham said 21-year-old Adilson Tavares, of Brockton, died Tuesday morning of injuries sustained in the shooting and crash that followed at 426 West Elm St.
Valter Monteiro, 24, also of Brockton, died Monday, July 4 at Good Samaritan Medical Center shortly after the shooting and crash that was reported at 11:39 p.m., Sunday, July 3.
Ham said the two men were in the same vehicle, and not in separate vehicles, as previously reported, and leaving the Westfield Estates condominiums near where the car crashed, when someone opened fire on them.
With passenger and driver riddled with bullets, the vehicle lost control and smashed through shrubs and a small fence near the driveway of 426 West Elm St.
The car the two men were in crashed into another vehicle parked in the driveway, Ham said, and both vehicles burst into flame.
Fire Chief Richard Francis said both men suffered from multiple gun shot wounds.
Ham did not give a motive for the shooting, however police officers who spoke on condition of anonymity said it was one drug dealer taking care of another.
Monteiro was arrested along with Tavares on Jan. 14, 2010. The two were charged with possession and distribution of marijuana.
Brockton and State Police continue to investigate.
No one has been arrested in connection with the incident, however Judith Davis-Scott, 65, the owner of the home at 426 West Elm St. where the crash took place, was arrested and charged with interfering with a police officer in performance of duty and disorderly conduct. Around the 2 minute, 15 second mark in the above video, Davis-Scott can be heard yelling as police detain her.
Monday, July 4, 2011
One Dead, Another Seriously Wounded in Brockton Shootout, Crash
By Lisa E. Crowley
BrocktonPost
BROCKTON--One man is dead and another seriously injured after what officials described as a shootout between two men who were driving in separate vehicles that ended in both vehicles crashing and exploding into flames near a house at 426 West Elm St. in Brockton.
"They both had multiple gun shot wounds," said Fire Chief Richard Francis Monday morning following the shootout and crash that took place at about 11:45 p.m. Sunday, July 3.
Francis confirmed that one of the men has died from his injuries and the other was taken to Boston Medical Center in Boston and suffered serious injuries from bullet wounds.
"The one who was taken to Boston was in poor condition. rom what I understand he was still breathing, but in poor condition," Francis said.
Francis said firefighters arrived at the scene to find two cars in flames and the two men seriously injured from gunshot wounds.
Francis said one of the two cars that were shooting at each other veered off of West Elm Street and crashed into the backyard of 426 West Elm St., located at the corner of West Elm and Revere streets.
Francis said a black Acura crashed over the lawn, over shrubbery and crashed into a car parked in the driveway and a tree in the driveway.
Francis said several calls came in for the accident beginning with one for a two-car accident at 426 West Elm, followed by another for a car fire and another for a house fire.
Firefighters quickly doused the flames and prepard the victims to be taken to area hospitals.
Francis said once the two victims were taken by ambulance to Good Samaritan and Brockton Hospital the police began to seal off the area as a crime scene.
Francis said he could not provide the names of the victims at this time, but noted, "I think both of these guys are well-known to the police," Francis said.
BrocktonPost
BROCKTON--One man is dead and another seriously injured after what officials described as a shootout between two men who were driving in separate vehicles that ended in both vehicles crashing and exploding into flames near a house at 426 West Elm St. in Brockton.
"They both had multiple gun shot wounds," said Fire Chief Richard Francis Monday morning following the shootout and crash that took place at about 11:45 p.m. Sunday, July 3.
Francis confirmed that one of the men has died from his injuries and the other was taken to Boston Medical Center in Boston and suffered serious injuries from bullet wounds.
"The one who was taken to Boston was in poor condition. rom what I understand he was still breathing, but in poor condition," Francis said.
Francis said firefighters arrived at the scene to find two cars in flames and the two men seriously injured from gunshot wounds.
Francis said one of the two cars that were shooting at each other veered off of West Elm Street and crashed into the backyard of 426 West Elm St., located at the corner of West Elm and Revere streets.
Francis said a black Acura crashed over the lawn, over shrubbery and crashed into a car parked in the driveway and a tree in the driveway.
Francis said several calls came in for the accident beginning with one for a two-car accident at 426 West Elm, followed by another for a car fire and another for a house fire.
Firefighters quickly doused the flames and prepard the victims to be taken to area hospitals.
Francis said once the two victims were taken by ambulance to Good Samaritan and Brockton Hospital the police began to seal off the area as a crime scene.
Francis said he could not provide the names of the victims at this time, but noted, "I think both of these guys are well-known to the police," Francis said.
Two Taken To Brockton Hospitals After West Elm Street Incident
By Lisa E. Crowley
BrocktonPost
BROCKTON--Two victims involved in what witnesses say was a car fire and a shooting on West Elm Street in Brockton have been taken to Good Samaritan and Brockton Hospital.
A woman who would not give her name, but said she lives near the corner of Revere Street and West Elm Street where police activity was centered, said around 11:45 p.m. Sunday, July 3 she heard what sounded like a gun shot and then a woman began screaming in the street.
She came out to see a car on fire and a man trapped in the car.
Police and fire personnel were sent to the scene after calls came in for a medical emergency, house fire and fireworks.
Brockton and State Police closed off the area from West Elm and Moraine streets to Doris Avenue and West Elm.
Other witnesses said it appeared there had been an accident involving a blue Ford 350pickup truck and another vehicle with the second vehicle igniting into flames.
Witnesses said a man who was trapped in the burning vehicle was freed from the wreck and raced to Good Samaritan Hospital.
Witnesses heard police say the man trapped in the burning vehicle has died.
Police and fire would not comment at this time.
Another victim was taken to Brockton Hospital where a group of 10 to 12 relatives and friends of a victim were congregated in the emergency room parking lot.
Members of the group said they didn't know what was going on and declined comment.
It is unclear which, or if either of the victims may have been shot.
One of the victims was transported to Boston Medical Center.
Witnesses said three people were detained by police and taken to Brockton Police Department and are likely involved with what appears to be a combination of events.
A blue extended cab Ford 350 could be seen on a sidewalk of Auna Drive across from a house at the corner of West Elm and Revere where police activity was centered.
The pickup's passenger side tire was blown out and the front end of the driver's side was partially on a sidewalk.
Plymouth County CPAC and a State Police canine unit were on the scene.
At the rear of a house at the corner of Revere and West Elm it appeared a vehicle drove onto the lawn, uprooted shrubbery or a tree, took out a fence and deposited the debris in front of a detached, two-car wooden garage.
The area held the smell of an extinguished fire.
While police were combing the scene shortly after an ambulance sped away, a woman in the house at the corner of West Elm and Revere began yelling at the rear of the house. Police grabbed a hold of her arms.
She struggled with police and said they were hurting her.
Witnesses said police wanted her to stay in the house, but she kept coming outside.
She was eventually handcuffed, placed in a police car and brought to the Brockton Police Department.
According to witnesses, the woman was the fourth individual police apprehended during the incident.
Police and fire officials have declined comment about the situation at this time.
At about 2:45 a.m. a young man wearing a long white T-shirt, long black shorts and his hair in corn rolls pulled up to the police blockade near the corner of West Elm and Doris and asked two State Police about the situation.
The man, in his 20s, upset and close to tears, put his hands together as if he was praying and begged police to tell him if it was his friend.
The man, begged, "please tell me he's alive, please tell me he's alive," saying he had heard something had happened and visited his friend's mother's house, but no one was there.
The man then asked twice if the victim involved in the incident was driving a black Acura. One of the troopers nodded his head, "yes."
The man broke down and cried, bending to his knees and covered his face with his hands.
He rose from the ground and began to walk shakily back to his car, obviously distraught.
The two State Troopers walked to either side of the man and put their arms around him and gave the man two shoulders to lean on as they walked him back to his car. As the man sobbed, the officers told the man to take a breath and not to drive away until he regained his composure.
The officers stayed with the man until he pulled himself together and drove slowly away from the scene.
BrocktonPost
BROCKTON--Two victims involved in what witnesses say was a car fire and a shooting on West Elm Street in Brockton have been taken to Good Samaritan and Brockton Hospital.
A woman who would not give her name, but said she lives near the corner of Revere Street and West Elm Street where police activity was centered, said around 11:45 p.m. Sunday, July 3 she heard what sounded like a gun shot and then a woman began screaming in the street.
She came out to see a car on fire and a man trapped in the car.
Police and fire personnel were sent to the scene after calls came in for a medical emergency, house fire and fireworks.
Brockton and State Police closed off the area from West Elm and Moraine streets to Doris Avenue and West Elm.
Other witnesses said it appeared there had been an accident involving a blue Ford 350pickup truck and another vehicle with the second vehicle igniting into flames.
Witnesses said a man who was trapped in the burning vehicle was freed from the wreck and raced to Good Samaritan Hospital.
Witnesses heard police say the man trapped in the burning vehicle has died.
Police and fire would not comment at this time.
Another victim was taken to Brockton Hospital where a group of 10 to 12 relatives and friends of a victim were congregated in the emergency room parking lot.
Members of the group said they didn't know what was going on and declined comment.
It is unclear which, or if either of the victims may have been shot.
One of the victims was transported to Boston Medical Center.
Witnesses said three people were detained by police and taken to Brockton Police Department and are likely involved with what appears to be a combination of events.
A blue extended cab Ford 350 could be seen on a sidewalk of Auna Drive across from a house at the corner of West Elm and Revere where police activity was centered.
The pickup's passenger side tire was blown out and the front end of the driver's side was partially on a sidewalk.
Plymouth County CPAC and a State Police canine unit were on the scene.
At the rear of a house at the corner of Revere and West Elm it appeared a vehicle drove onto the lawn, uprooted shrubbery or a tree, took out a fence and deposited the debris in front of a detached, two-car wooden garage.
The area held the smell of an extinguished fire.
While police were combing the scene shortly after an ambulance sped away, a woman in the house at the corner of West Elm and Revere began yelling at the rear of the house. Police grabbed a hold of her arms.
She struggled with police and said they were hurting her.
Witnesses said police wanted her to stay in the house, but she kept coming outside.
She was eventually handcuffed, placed in a police car and brought to the Brockton Police Department.
According to witnesses, the woman was the fourth individual police apprehended during the incident.
Police and fire officials have declined comment about the situation at this time.
At about 2:45 a.m. a young man wearing a long white T-shirt, long black shorts and his hair in corn rolls pulled up to the police blockade near the corner of West Elm and Doris and asked two State Police about the situation.
The man, in his 20s, upset and close to tears, put his hands together as if he was praying and begged police to tell him if it was his friend.
The man, begged, "please tell me he's alive, please tell me he's alive," saying he had heard something had happened and visited his friend's mother's house, but no one was there.
The man then asked twice if the victim involved in the incident was driving a black Acura. One of the troopers nodded his head, "yes."
The man broke down and cried, bending to his knees and covered his face with his hands.
He rose from the ground and began to walk shakily back to his car, obviously distraught.
The two State Troopers walked to either side of the man and put their arms around him and gave the man two shoulders to lean on as they walked him back to his car. As the man sobbed, the officers told the man to take a breath and not to drive away until he regained his composure.
The officers stayed with the man until he pulled himself together and drove slowly away from the scene.
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