West Newbury Police Department

Official Website

West Newbury Police and Fire Departments Remind Residents that Use of Fireworks in Massachusetts is Illegal

by Leave a Comment

WEST NEWBURY — As the Fourth of July approaches, Police Chief Jeff Durand and Fire Chief Michael Dwyer would like to remind residents that the use of fireworks is illegal in the state of Massachusetts.

It is illegal to use, possess, or sell fireworks of any kind in Massachusetts, including Class C fireworks, which are sometimes falsely called “safe and sane fireworks.”

Class C fireworks include sparklers, party poppers, snappers, firecrackers, spinners, cherry bombs and more. Residents are also prohibited from purchasing fireworks elsewhere and transporting them into the state.

“We want residents to stay safe while they enjoy the Fourth of July festivities this year,” Fire Chief Dwyer said. “Fireworks pose a serious safety risk, and are responsible for hundreds of injuries and significant property damage every year.”

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, during the month surrounding the Fourth of July, approximately 280 people nationwide go to the emergency room seeking treatment for injuries caused by fireworks every day.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, fireworks are also the cause of 18,500 fires on average each year.

“Fireworks are a Fourth of July tradition, but instead of purchasing your own fireworks, please attend a free show in the area that has been planned and will be run by a professional,” Chief Durand said. “Fireworks are illegal and unsafe.”

This does not mean residents cannot enjoy fireworks displays over the course of the summer. However, Police Chief Durand and Fire Chief Dwyer recommend that residents only attend celebrations put on by a licensed professional to ensure safety.

Residents should also remember to:

  • Watch fireworks displays from a safe distance.
  • Call 911 if anyone gets injured by fireworks.
  • Set a positive example for children by not using illegal fireworks. If kids see adults using them, they may not realize the dangers and could be encouraged to pick up matches or lighters.
  • Be careful around even the smallest fireworks. Sparklers burn at 1,800 degrees and could easily cause severe burns and injuries.

Anyone who has questions about fireworks or fireworks safety should contact the West Newbury Fire Department at 978-363-1111.

###

West Newbury Police and Fire Departments Remind Residents to Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

by Leave a Comment

West Newbury– The West Newbury Police and Fire Departments wish to remind residents to test their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. 

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), having working smoke alarms reduces the risk of dying in a fire by 50 percent and, on average, three out of every five fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.

The West Newbury Police and Fire Departments ask that all business owners not only change the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, but also replace the batteries on wall mounted emergency lights and exit signs. All businesses should have emergency backup lighting as a safety feature to provide temporary lighting in case of power failure.

In order to continue to keep your home safe and prevent fires, the West Newbury Police and Fire Departments recommend that residents follow safety tips outlined by NFPA:

  • Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms at least once a month using the test button. Replace alarms immediately if they don’t respond properly when tested.
  • Replace batteries in smoke and CO alarms when you change your clocks.
  • Smoke alarms with non-replaceable 10-year batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away.
  • Replace all smoke alarms when they reach 10 years old. Replace CO detectors according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area, on every level of the home, and in other locations where required by applicable laws, codes or standards. For the best protection, interconnect all CO alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.
  • If the CO alarm sounds, immediately move to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door. Make sure everyone inside the home is accounted for. Call for help from a fresh air location and stay in that spot until emergency personnel arrive.
  • Develop and practice a home escape plan with all members of the household.

For more information on smoke detector and CO alarm safety, visit the NFPA website or contact the West Newbury Fire Department at 978-363-1111.

###

West Newbury Police Warn Residents of Scam Technology Support Callers

by Leave a Comment

WNPD patch copy

West Newbury Police Department
Jeffrey Durand, Interim Chief of Police
401 Main St.
West Newbury, MA 01985

For Immediate Release

Friday, Feb. 1, 2019

Contact: John Guilfoil
Office: 978-971-8101
Email: john@jgpr.net

West Newbury Police Warn Residents of Scam Technology Support Callers

WEST NEWBURY — Interim Chief Jeffrey Durand  would like to issue a warning to residents about a recent spike in scam callers looking to access computers.

Multiple residents have reported to police recently that they been asked by an unknown caller to give him or her remote access their computers.

Allowing a scam caller to remotely access a computer puts the passwords and other private information stored on the device at risk. It also opens the computer up to possible damage. Scam callers also frequently seek payment for “fixing” a nonexistent problem with a computer, like a virus.

According to the Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Information website, phone scam callers who are seeking to access to a computer remotely may pretend to work for a technology company, like Microsoft or Apple. Scams may also cause pop-up messages to display on a computer screen, claiming the computer has a critical problem that must be fixed by calling a phone number and connecting to a technology support specialist.

“Residents need to be wary of unknown callers and suspicious pop-ups on their computers,” Chief Durand said. “It’s crucial to keep computers secure, considering all of the passwords and information we all store digitally today. Do not click on suspicious links, and do not give an unknown caller access to your computer.”

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has several tips for those looking to protect themselves from falling victim to a phone scam:

  • Let calls from unknown phone numbers go to voicemail. Do not answer.
  • If a caller claims to represent a company, like Google or Apple, hang up. Call the company, and verify if that individual was actually who they were claiming to be. Be sure to call the correct phone number by going to the organization’s website or looking at a recent bill from that organization.
  • Know that even “local” numbers on caller ID may not be from a local caller.
  • Never pay for a service with a gift card. Legitimate companies and organizations will not ask you to pay for any service with a gift card.
  • Report scam calls with the FCC Consumer Complaint Center by visiting consumercomplaints.fcc.gov/hc/en-us.
  • Report any money lost to a scam call to local police.
  • Check to see if your phone company has a service that will block robocalls.
  • Consider adding your telephone numbers to the National Do Not Call Registry www.donotcall.gov/. Law abiding telemarketers will not call phone numbers once they are added to the list.

###

MEMA: Some 911 Issues May Persist

by Leave a Comment

The state 911 system is currently experiencing intermittent interruption of service related to problems with a nationwide internet service provider.  This is a national problem also impacting most of Massachusetts, including here in West Newbury.

As a result, residents are temporarily urged contact the police or fire department for assistance by dialing 978-363-1212.

Additional information will be posted as it becomes available.

West Newbury Police and Fire Respond to Main Street After Worker Falls from Moving Trailer

by Leave a Comment

West Newbury Police on scene on Route 113 (Main Street) after a man fell from a moving trailer. (Courtesy Photo/West Newbury Police)

WEST NEWBURY — Police Chief Art Reed and Fire Chief Michael Dwyer report that the West Newbury Police and Fire Departments responded to Main Street this morning after a man fell from a moving trailer and suffered serious injuries.

At approximately 10:23 a.m., West Newbury Police received a report that a man had fallen off a truck in area of 270 Main Street (Route 113).

Police, Fire and Atlantic Ambulance were dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, first responders located a Stoneham man in his 40s on the ground and immediately began administering CPR.

Following an on scene investigation, police learned that a Superior Sealcoat, Inc. truck pulling a trailer was travelling east on Route 113 from Crane Neck Road when one of two men riding in the trailer fell off.

The victim suffered a life-threatening head injury and was taken via medical helicopter to a Boston hospital. The other man in the trailer was not injured, nor was the driver or passenger in the truck cab that was pulling the trailer.

Main Street is closed in both directions during the investigation, and motorists are asked to avoid the area.

The incident remains under investigation by the West Newbury Police Department, under leadership of Officer Mike DeNaro, with assistance from the Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has also been notified and is responding.

###

West Newbury Police Department Achieves Accreditation

by Leave a Comment

From left: MPAC Vice President and Hamilton Police Chief Russell Stevens, West Newbury Police Chief Art Reed, Sgt. Dan Cena, Town Manager Angus Jennings and MPAC President and Duxbury Police Chief Matt Clancy. (Courtesy Photo)

WEST NEWBURY — Chief Art Reed is pleased to announce that the West Newbury Police Department earned accreditation from the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission (MPAC).

The department received its award at a ceremony on Wednesday, Oct. 24, at the Connors Center in Dover.

“This is an outstanding accomplishment that puts our department in elite company in Massachusetts,” Chief Reed said. “I’m grateful for the efforts of Sgt. Dan Cena, who has worked tirelessly to make today’s achievement a reality, and I am especially proud that a relatively small department like ours has earned this honor.”

The accreditation process is long and rigorous. It involves both an internal self-review and an external assessment by the commission’s team of experts. The process is a self-initiated evaluation by which police departments strive to meet and maintain the top standards of law enforcement. It is considered the best measure for a police department to compare itself against the established best practices around the country and region.

The West Newbury Police Department was assessed over the summer by a team of commission-appointed assessors. The Assessment Team found the department to be in compliance with all applicable standards for accreditation.

To conduct the initial self-assessment and prepare for the on-site review of the 246 mandatory standards and 83 optional standards by the Commission, Chief Reed appointed Sgt. Cena to serve as the department’s Accreditation Manager.

Today marks the first time that the West Newbury Police Department earned accreditation through MPAC. The department had previously earned certification through MPAC.

The MPAC program requires that departments meet all the mandatory standards and percentage of the optional requirements. These carefully selected measures include: Jurisdiction and Mutual Aid, Collection and Preservation of Evidence, Communications, Working Conditions, Crime Analysis, Community Involvement, Financial Management, Internal Affairs, Juvenile Operations, Patrol Administration, Public Information, Records, Traffic, Training, Drug Enforcement and Victim/Witness Assistance.

The commission offers two program awards: certification and accreditation, with accreditation the higher of the two. Accreditation is granted for a period of three years. Participation in the program is strictly voluntary.

###

West Newbury, Groveland and Merrimac Police Departments Offer Halloween Safety Tips

by Leave a Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2018

Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: John@jgpr.net

West Newbury, Groveland and Merrimac Police Departments Offer Halloween Safety Tips

With Halloween now just weeks away, Chief Art Reed, Chief Jeffrey Gillen and Chief Eric Shears and the West Newbury, Groveland and Merrimac Police Departments want to remind families of several important safety tips as they prepare to take their children trick-or-treating.

Trick-or-treating hours in all three communities will occur on Wednesday, Oct. 31, from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Chiefs Reed, Shears and Gillen wish to offer residents of their respective communities the following tips to help ensure everyone has a fun and safe Halloween.

Children should:

  • Only approach well-lit houses and always travel in small groups
  • Wear clothing that is bright, reflective and flame retardant
  • Use flashlights for guidance on sidewalks, walkways and when crossing the street
  • Make sure masks have eye-holes large enough to see any tripping hazards or oncoming traffic, and mouth openings large enough to breathe easily
  • Practice safe street-crossing by using crosswalks and walk signals
  • Wear sturdy shoes and temperature appropriate clothing under costumes

Parents and guardians should:

  • Supervise children under 12 years old
  • Establish a designated curfew for older children
  • Make sure children are wearing safe costumes that fit well and don’t drag on the ground
  • Apply reflective tape to your child’s arms, legs and treat bags
  • Assure costume accessories such as swords and other pointed objects are made with soft and safe materials

Homeowners should:

  • Keep inside and outside lights on during trick-or-treat hours
  • Avoid placing lit candles and jack-o-lanterns on doorsteps and walkways where costumes could brush against them and cause burns or fire
  • Only hand out candy that is packaged and wrapped
  • Avoid handing out small toys that could cause choking or lead poisoning for small children

Additionally, any suspicious person or vehicle should immediately be reported to the West Newbury Police Department at 978-363-1212, the Merrimac Police Department at 978-346-8321 or the Groveland Police Department at 978-521-1212.

###

Police Searching for Missing 14-Year-Old Girl in West Newbury/Newbury

by Leave a Comment

WNPD patch copy

West Newbury Police Department
Art Reed, Chief of Police
401 Main St.
West Newbury, MA 01985

For Immediate Release

Monday, Sept. 24, 2018

Contact: John Guilfoil
Office: 978-971-8101
Email: john@jgpr.net

Police Searching for Missing 14-Year-Old Girl in West Newbury/Newbury

Kelly Bruce, 14, of Byfield (Newbury) was last seen before 2 p.m. Monday and is feared to be in danger. (Courtesy Photo/Newbury Police Department)
Kelly Bruce, 14, of Byfield (Newbury) was last seen before 2 p.m. Monday and is feared to be in danger. (Courtesy Photo/Newbury Police Department)

WEST NEWBURY — Police Chief Art Reed and Newbury Police Chief Michael A. Reilly report that police are actively searching for a teenage girl who reportedly ran away from her home in Byfield.

Kelly Bruce, age 14, of Main Street in Byfield (Part of Newbury) was last seen before 2 p.m and is believed to have left home around that time. She was reported missing by a family member.

She is described as 5-foot-8-inches tall, weighing approximately 150 lbs., with light brown hair. Family is unsure what sort of clothing she was wearing when she left home.

Police from multiple communities including West Newbury, Newbury, Newburyport, Amesbury and Salisbury as well as the Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (NEMLEC) and the Massachusetts State Police are currently engaged in an active search around the Indian Hill Reservoir.

Based upon an initial investigation, police believe that Kelly may be in danger.

If anyone sees Kelly or knows where she may be, they are asked to contact the Newbury Police Department at 978-462-4440

###

West Newbury Police Searching for Missing Child

by Leave a Comment

West Newbury Police are actively searching for a missing 14-year-old girl who was last seen at 2 p.m.

Police are searching the south area of the Indian Hill Reservoir

West Newbury residents near the Reservoir are asked to please NOT come out into the woods. Police from multiple agencies are actively searching for the missing child. Residents may confuse K-9 units and contaminate search area. This includes Indian Hill Road, South Road, and Moulton Street.

Newburyport, Newbury, Amesbury, Salisbury and State Police are on scene.

More information will be released as soon as it is available.

Latest News

West Newbury Fire Department Offers Fire Prevention Activity Bags for Children 

Chief Michael Dwyer is pleased to announce that the West Newbury Fire Department is offering free children’s fire activity bags for West Newbury residents. During the month of October, the West Newbury Fire Department will be offering these bags to celebrate Fire Prevention Month and teach children of all ages about fire safety. The bags […]

Chief Jeff Durand

401 Main Street
Public Safety Building
West Newbury, MA 01985

Phone: 978-363-1212
Fax: 978-363-1114

In Case of Emergency, Dial 911

News Media: 617-993-0003

West Newbury Police Department Official Patch
Massachusetts Certified Police Department
West Newbury Public Safety