News Blog

Chestnut Street in West Newbury Closed Due to Downed Tree and Utility Pole

August 9, 2023 by jgprrobert

A tree and utility pole that fell across the road in the area of 15 Chestnut St., on Wednesday afternoon. (Courtesy West Newbury Police and Fire Departments)

The West Newbury Police and Fire Departments report that Chestnut Street is closed due to a downed tree and utility pole.

On Wednesday, Aug. 9, at 2:16 p.m., West Newbury Police and Fire were called to the area of 15 Chestnut St.

First responders arrived to find a large tree fell across Chestnut Street and took down a utility pole and power transformer. No one was injured. A handful of homes remain without power.

Chestnut Street has been closed and will remain closed until repairs are made by National Grid. Initial estimates are that the road will be closed until approximately 11 p.m.

Tree and wires down on Middle Street

May 28, 2023 by John Guilfoil

Chief Michael Dwyer reports that a large tree is down and has taken live wires down with it in the area of 239 Middle St. Local traffic between middle Street and Indian Hill and middle Street and Stewart St will be disrupted. Motorists and pedestrians should avoid the area.

Tree and wires down on middle Street

West Newbury and Groveland Fire Departments Respond to Brief Evacuation at Pentucket Regional Middle High School

May 18, 2023 by Kayla Rochon

WEST NEWBURY — West Newbury Fire Chief Michael Dwyer and Groveland Fire Chief Robert Valentine report that the Pentucket Regional Middle and High School building was briefly evacuated after an alarm was triggered by smoke drifting from a large house fire in nearby Haverhill.

West Newbury and Groveland police and fire responded to the school complex at about 9:30 a.m. for a report of an activated fire/smoke alarm. It was quickly determined on-scene that there was no active danger at Pentucket, however the building was searched and cleared by first responders out of an abundance of caution.

The building was ventilated, and students and staff were cleared to return within about 45 minutes.

A number of students were evaluated on-scene by EMS, but no serious smoke inhalation was reported.

Mutual aid was provided by Atlantic Ambulance, Action Ambulance and Seabrook NH Fire Department.

The two alarm fire, located in a multi-unit home on East Broadway in Haverhill, was reported to have extremely dense, drifting smoke.

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UPDATE Pentucket Regional School District Provides Update on Middle High School Evacuation

May 1, 2023 by Tom Zuppa

Chief Michael Dwyer and Superintendent Justin Bartholomew wish to provide the following update about this morning’s evacuation of Pentucket Regional Middle High School.

A hazardous materials response team has completed an initial investigation, and has determined that the source of a strong odor in the middle school wing was a refrigerant leak from a rooftop HVAC unit. The unit was shut off, and the District’s licensed HVA contractor will confirm a leak occurred and provide necessary repairs.

The Middle School wing has been vented to disperse the odor.

At about 9:42 a.m. on Monday, May 1, seventh-grade students in a science lab on the third floor of the middle school complained about a strange smell. No experiments were in progress and no chemicals were in use.

The complaints triggered a series of procedures and protocols, including a building evacuation and response by mutual aid from surrounding communities. The evacuation was coordinated by the West Newbury Police School Resource Officer.

Mutual aid responders included West Newbury Police, Boxford Fire, Georgetown Fire Ambulance, Groveland Police and Fire, Haverhill Fire, Merrimac Police and Fire, Newbury Fire Ambulance, Rowley Fire, West Newbury Fire, East Kingston, N.H., Fire, and Newton, N.H., Fire, as well as Action Ambulance, Atlantic Ambulance, Cataldo Ambulance, and Trinity Ambulance.

Salisbury Fire provided station coverage.

A hazardous materials response team from the State Department of Fire Services responded, as well as Rehab Five.

Thirty-nine students were evaluated at the scene. Two students were taken by ambulance to an area hospital out of an abundance of caution. Two other students were brought to the hospital by their parents. All four students were treated for symptoms including nausea and throat irritation.

No faculty or staff member required medical attention.

Superintendent Bartholomew, High School Principal Jonathan Seymour, and Middle School Principal Terrence Conant canceled remaining classes. After-school activities scheduled for Monday night have been postponed.

Faculty and staff will be able to retrieve personal belongings once given authorization by first responders. Administration is working on a protocol to allow students access to their belongings.

The school district will continue to update parents and guardians as more information becomes available.

UPDATE Pentucket Regional Middle High School Evacuated Due to Reports of Odor

May 1, 2023 by Tom Zuppa

Fire Chief Michael Dwyer and Superintendent Justin Bartholomew report that Pentucket Regional Middle High School has been evacuated following reports of an odor.

Superintendent Bartholomew, High School Principal Jonathan Seymour, and Middle School Principal Terrence Conant have decided to cancel remaining classes, and are working to facilitate an orderly dismissal.

Superintendent Bartholomew has sent an email to Middle School and High School parents regarding dismissal procedures. Students who drove to school and have their car keys will be allowed to drive home. Students who evacuated the building without their keys will be allowed to take the bus.

After-school activities scheduled for Monday night have been canceled.

At about 9:41 a.m. on Monday, May 1, seventh-grade students in a science lab on the third floor of the middle school complained about a strange smell. No experiments were in progress and no chemicals were being used at the time.

The complaints triggered a series of procedures and protocols, including a building evacuation and a mutual aid emergency response from surrounding communities. The evacuation was coordinated by the West Newbury Police School Resource Officer.

Mutual aid responders included West Newbury Police, Groveland Police and Fire, Merrimac Fire, West Newbury Fire, as well as Action Ambulance, Atlantic Ambulance, Cataldo Ambulance, and Georgetown Fire Ambulance.

Thirty-nine students were evaluated at the scene. One student was transported to an area hospital out of an abundance of caution, for symptoms including nausea.

The investigation into the incident remains active and ongoing. A Tier 1 hazardous materials response team is on scene. Their work is likely to take several hours.

The school district will continue to update parents and guardians as more information becomes available.

West Newbury Firefighter Graduates from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy

March 2, 2023 by jgprrobert

West Newbury Firefighter Travis Bounsy in his graduation photo from the Massachusetts Fire Academy’s Call/Volunteer Firefighter Recruit Training Program. (Courtesy Massachusetts Firefighting Academy via West Newbury Fire Department)

Chief Michael Dwyer is pleased to report that the West Newbury Fire Department is welcoming new Firefighter Travis Bounsy to the department upon his graduation from the Massachusetts Fire Academy’s Call/Volunteer Firefighter Recruit Training Program.

Firefighter Bounsy is a longtime resident of West Newbury and graduate of Pentucket Regional High School, who also coaches football and lacrosse for the school district.

Firefighter Bounsy was among 33 recruits from 13 departments to graduate from the Call/Volunteer Firefighter Recruit Training Program on Wednesday, March 1.

During the 16-week training, firefighters learned the basic skills they will need when responding to fires, including how to contain and control fires, public fire education, hazardous material incident mitigation, flammable liquid control, stress management, firefighter self-rescue and vehicle extrication.

In order to graduate, firefighters must complete 240 hours of training, all on nights and weekends, while demonstrating proficiency in life safety, search and rescue, ladder operations, water supply, pump operation and fire attack in situations ranging from mailbox fires to multiple-floor or multi-room structure fires.

“First responders are on the front lines of any crisis and these newest firefighters are needed now more than ever,” said Academy Director Jeffrey P. Winn. “The rigorous training they’ve completed provides them with the fundamental skills and knowledge necessary to protect their communities safely and effectively.”

Firefighter Bounsy is now participating in EMT training as well.

About The Massachusetts Firefighting Academy:

At the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy, firefighter recruits learn a wide range of skills in an intensive four month program. Certified and more experienced firefighters lead classroom instruction, physical fitness training, firefighter skills training and firefighting practice. Students are given training in public fire education, hazardous material incident mitigation, flammable liquids, stress management, confined space rescue techniques and rappelling. Upon successful completion of the Recruit Program, all the students have met national standards of National Fire Protection Association 1001.

West Newbury Police Charge Haverhill Man in Breaking and Entering

February 21, 2023 by jgprrobert

A surveillance image showing a suspect identified as **ERIC CUPPERNELL, AGE 34, OF HAVERHILL**, just before he allegedly broke into a home on Ash Street in West Newbury. **CUPPERNELL** was arrested on Tuesday in Lowell. (Courtesy West Newbury Police)

Chief Michael Dwyer reports that a suspect in a Feb. 14 breaking and entering in West Newbury has been arrested and charged.

ERIC CUPPERNELL, AGE 34, OF HAVERHILL, was arrested on a warrant charging him with:

Breaking and Entering During the Daytime for Felony
Defacing or Damaging Property

On Tuesday, Feb. 14, at about 9:39 a.m., West Newbury Police were notified that a home on Ash Street had been broken into.

A male, later identified as CUPPERNELL, was captured in surveillance images as he looked into several windows and a sliding glass door. CUPPERNELL then allegedly covered his face with a mask and kicked in a door to the home’s garage.

An investigation determined CUPPERNELL then allegedly kicked in an internal door to gain access to a home, and stole assorted valuables including jewelry and silverware.

West Newbury Police released surveillance images of the suspect to the community, and as a result received tips regarding the suspect’s identity. The investigation subsequently identified CUPPERNELL as the man who broke into the home.

West Newbury Police obtained an arrest warrant for CUPPERNELL from Newburyport District Court last week. On Tuesday, Feb. 21, CUPPERNELL was located in Lowell and taken into custody on warrants.

CUPPERNELL was arraigned Tuesday in connection with an unrelated matter, and will be arraigned in Newburyport District Court on the West Newbury arrest warrant at a later date.

West Newbury Police Provide Update on Breaking and Entering Investigation

February 17, 2023 by jgprrobert

*West Newbury Police have identified the individual captured in this surveillance video as Eric Cuppernell, Age 34, with a last known address in Haverhill. (Courtesy West Newbury Police)*

Chief Michael Dwyer would like to provide an update on the West Newbury Police Department’s investigation into a Feb. 14 breaking and entering at a home on Ash Street.

As a result of tips received from the public after West Newbury Police released surveillance images from the break-in, West Newbury Police have identified the suspect in this incident as Eric Cuppernell, age 34, with a last known address in Haverhill.

West Newbury Police have obtained an arrest warrant for Cuppernell, and are actively seeking him with assistance from law enforcement partners.

“I want to thank the members of the public who provided us with tips and information. Law enforcement is most effective when police and their communities work together to maintain public safety,” Chief Dwyer said. “Because of this help we are actively seeking this suspect, who is not believed to be in West Newbury at this time,” said Chief Dwyer.

On Tuesday, Feb. 14, West Newbury Police were notified of a breaking and entering at a home on Ash Street that day at about 9:39 a.m.

A white male who was wearing a gray Nike baseball hat, a black jacket, a gray sweatshirt, blue jeans, camouflage gloves, and white Nike sneakers, was captured on video walking up the driveway to the home before breaking in.

The male seen in the videos looked into several windows and into a sliding glass door, covered his face with a mask, and kicked in a door to the garage.

An investigation determined the individual then kicked in an internal door to gain access to a home, and stole assorted valuables including jewelry and silverware. The person fled in a white vehicle, believed to be either a Mercury Grand Marquis or a Ford Crown Victoria.

Anyone who believes they have information on Cuppernell’s whereabouts is asked to call West Newbury Police at 978-363-1212, or to email Sgt. Rich Parenteau at parenteau@westnewburysafety.org.

West Newbury Police Seek Public Assistance with Breaking and Entering Investigation

February 15, 2023 by jgprrobert

West Newbury Police are asking members of the public for assistance as they seek to identify this man who was captured in home surveillance video prior to a home being broken into. Anyone with information is asked to call West Newbury Police at 978-363-1212. (Courtesy West Newbury Police)

The West Newbury Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance as investigators seek to identify a suspect captured in surveillance photos at a breaking and entering on Ash Street.

On Tuesday, Feb. 14, West Newbury Police were notified of a breaking and entering that occurred at a home on Ash Street that day at about 9:39 a.m.

An investigation determined an individual kicked in a door to the home’s garage, and then kicked in an internal door in order to gain access to a home where he subsequently stole assorted valuables, including jewelry and silverware before fleeing in a white vehicle, believed to be either a Mercury Grand Marquis or a Ford Crown Victoria.

Prior to the break-in, a white male who was wearing a gray Nike baseball hat, a black jacket, a gray sweatshirt, blue jeans, camouflage gloves, and white Nike sneakers, was captured on video walking up the driveway to the home.

The male seen in surveillance videos looked into several of the home’s windows and into a sliding door before covering his face with a mask and kicking in a door to the garage.

Anyone who believes they recognize the individual pictured in surveillance images, or anyone with information on this incident, is asked to call West Newbury Police at 978-363-1212, or to email Sgt. Rich Parenteau at parenteau@westnewburysafety.org.

West Newbury Police and Fire Share Extreme Cold Weather Safety Tips

February 3, 2023 by Kayla Rochon

WEST NEWBURY — The West Newbury Police Department and the West Newbury Fire Department would like to provide cold weather and ice safety tips to the community ahead of what is forecast to be a dangerously cold weekend.

The forecast for Friday and Saturday, Feb. 3-4, calls for arctic cold in West Newbury, with wind chills below zero by mid-afternoon Friday, and wind chills as low as minus 20 degrees overnight into Saturday morning.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cold weather-induced illnesses such as frostbite can occur even in temperatures above 40°F if a person becomes chilled by rain or sweat, or is submerged in cold water.

The West Newbury Police and Fire Departments wish to share the following tips from the CDC to help keep residents safe in cold weather situations and conditions.

When going outdoors, adults and children should wear:

A hat
Scarf or knit mask to cover face and mouth
Long sleeves that are snug at the wrist
Mittens (they are warmer than gloves)
Water-resistant coat and boots

Residents are also reminded to layer their clothing strategically:

When choosing an inner layer, wear fabrics that will hold more body heat and fabrics that do not absorb moisture. Wool, silk, or polypropylene will hold more body heat than cotton.
Wear a layer of clothing for insulation. An insulation layer will help you retain heat by trapping air close to your body. Natural fibers, like wool, goose down, or a fleece work best.
Select your outer layer carefully. The outermost layer helps protect you from wind, rain, and snow. It should be tightly woven, and preferably water and wind resistant, to reduce loss of body heat.

Other tips

Try to stay dry while outdoors, as wet clothing chills the body quickly.
Excess sweating will cause the body to lose more heat, so remove extra layers of clothing whenever you feel too warm.
Avoid getting gasoline or alcohol on your skin while deicing and fueling your car or using a snow blower. Getting these on your skin will cause your body to lose more heat.
Do not ignore shivering, as it’s an important first sign that your body is losing heat. Constant shivering is a sign that it is time to go inside.

For additional information from the CDC regarding cold weather safety, click here.

Carbon Monoxide Safety

Known also as the “invisible killer,” carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless, tasteless and poisonous gas produced whenever any fuel is burned, such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood or charcoal. Other sources of CO include furnaces and water heaters, chimneys, wood stoves, grills, camping stoves, gas ovens and gas snow removal or yard equipment machines.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, more than 150 people in the U.S. die every year from accidental non-fire-related carbon monoxide poisoning associated with consumer products, including generators. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, common symptoms of CO poisoning include headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain and confusion. High-level CO poisoning can cause loss of consciousness and ultimately death.

All homes should have CO alarms. If a CO alarm goes off in your home, all residents should leave the house immediately and call 911 from outside or from a neighbor’s house.

The West Newbury Police and Fire Departments would like to remind residents of the following carbon monoxide safety tips from the NFPA:

CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area and 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. Choose a CO alarm that is listed by a qualified testing laboratory.
Test CO alarms at least once a month; replace them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
If the audible trouble signal sounds, check for low batteries. If the battery is low, replace it. If it still sounds, call the fire department.
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 there until emergency personnel declare that it is safe to re-enter the home.
If you need to warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Do not run a vehicle or other fueled engine or motor indoors, even if garage doors are open. Make sure the exhaust pipe of a running vehicle is not covered with snow.
During and after a snowstorm, make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove and fireplace are clear of snow build-up.

Pet Owners

Pet owners are also reminded to take precautions during cold weather. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), cold tolerance varies from pet to pet, and owners should be aware of their pet’s tolerance and adjust their activities accordingly. No pet should be left outside for long periods of time during below-freezing weather.

Owners should check their dog’s paws frequently for signs of cold-weather injury, such as cracked paw pads or bleeding. Following a walk, owners should also wipe down their pet’s feet, legs and belly to remove chemicals such as deicers or antifreeze.

It is also recommended that you check underneath your car, bang on the hood and honk the horn before starting your car as a warm vehicle engine can be an appealing heat source for outdoor or feral cats. For more tips regarding cold weather and animals, visit the AVMA.

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