PHOTOS: West Newbury Police Dedicate New Town Seal

May 10, 2016 by Leave a Comment

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

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Office: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

PHOTOS: West Newbury Police Dedicate New Town Seal

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WEST NEWBURY — Chief Art Reed is pleased to announce that the West Newbury Police Department dedicated a new town seal in memory of the late Robert Hardy, the former Rowley Police Chief.

The new seal was completed as part of a collaboration with Pentucket Regional High School. Jennifer Nelson, a student at Pentucket Arts Academy, painted a fresco of the town seal, donated by Fred Hardy, the nephew of Chief Robert Hardy.

The re-designed painting will now serve as the town’s new seal and hang in the entryway of the West Newbury Public Safety Complex, which houses the police and fire departments, as well as the emergency communications center.

This new seal and dedication ceremony was the brainchild of Sgt. Jeffrey Durand, who coordinated the efforts of all groups involved.

“West Newbury is proud to honor Chief Hardy and his commitment to serving the community,” Chief Reed said. “Jennifer did a wonderful job painting the fresco, and I am proud to have it hang in our safety complex. This collaboration shows a commitment by the West Newbury Police Department, our local school system and our own town officials to remember a great man.”

Chief Hardy served many years as the Rowley Police Chief during and was tragically killed in the line of duty in the mid-1970’s by a drunken driver.

The Pentucket Arts Academy is an innovation school within the Pentucket Regional High School. Students utilize their creative voice to articulate self-expression in the production of various original texts, art, and performances, while further cultivating the core skills beyond the oral and written report.

Fredy Hardy is the owner of Hardy’s Auto Body, a local car repair shop located in Rowley.

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West Newbury Police Find Missing Teenage Girl in Woods Overnight

May 7, 2016 by John Guilfoil Leave a Comment

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

For Immediate Release

Saturday, May 7, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Office: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

West Newbury Police Find Missing Teenage Girl in Woods Overnight

WEST NEWBURY — Police Chief Art Reed reports that the West Newbury Police Department, working with four other neighboring agencies, located a missing teenage girl after a five-hour search, at night, through densely wooded areas.

The parents of the 15-year-old, who live on Main Street, called police at approximately 7 p.m. Friday to report that their daughter had run away from home and taken her bicycle with her.

Police searched the area and were aided by K-9 units from the Salisbury and Amesbury Police Departments and police officers from Newburyport and Newbury.

The search party, led by Sergeant Dan Cena, Officer a Michael Dwyer, and Officer Jay Johnson, found the girl at midnight in the Pipestave Hill area, near a reservoir, in a 200-acre wooded area. She was unharmed and reunited with her family.

“I am very grateful for the aggressive team response provided by our neighbors,” said Chief Reed, who was also part of the search party. “When you can bring together multiple specialized units, K-9s, and officers from multiple jurisdictions toward a common goal, we are always more likely to see a positive outcome. What matters most in this instance is that the girl was not injured or harmed.”

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West Newbury Police Arrest Man for Possession of Child Pornography

April 29, 2016 by Jessica Sacco Leave a Comment

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

For Immediate Release

Friday, April 29, 2016

Contact: Jessica Sacco
Office: 978-769-5193
Email: jessica@jgpr.net

West Newbury Police Arrest Man for Possession of Child Pornography

WEST NEWBURY — Police Chief Art Reed reports that the West Newbury Police Department, in conjunction with the Massachusetts State Police, arrested a man last night for possession of child pornography.

SAMUEL HOWELL, AGE 44, OF WEST NEWBURY is charged with four counts of Possession of Child Pornography.

On Thursday, April 28, at 8 p.m., West Newbury and State Police executed an arrest warrant at HOWELL’s home, 219 Main St. He was then arrested without incident.

The arrest comes after a month-long investigation into HOWELL. Working with the State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, West Newbury Police found that HOWELL was in possession of child pornography, involving children between the ages of 7 and 10.

HOWELL was booked at the West Newbury Police Department and then transported to the Middleton House of Corrections, where he was held on $100,000 bail pending his arraignment.

“This matter was resolved peacefully and there is no threat or danger to the public,” Chief Reed said. “Thank you to our counterparts from the Massachusetts State Police for their hard work during this investigation.”

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West Newbury Police Announce New Community Initiative

April 5, 2016 by Leave a Comment

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

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Office: 978-769-5193
Email: john@jgpr.net

West Newbury Police Announce New Community Initiative

Jennifer Nelson (left) and Fred Hardy (right) with the blank fresco. The finished product will hang in the entryway of the West Newbury Safety Complex.

WEST NEWBURY — Police Chief Art Reed is pleased to announce a new collaboration with Pentucket Regional High School in memory of the late former Rowley Police Chief Charles Hardy.

Jennifer Nelson, a student at Pentucket Arts Academy, will paint a fresco of the town seal donated by Fred Hardy, the nephew of Chief Charles Hardy. The re-designed fresco will adorn the entryway of the West Newbury Public Safety Complex, which houses the police and fire departments, as well as the emergency communications center. Once completed, the department will host a dedication ceremony with Nelson, Hardy and town officials.

“I am pleased to partner with our local school community in order to honor Chief Hardy,” said Chief Reed. “This initiative will strengthen the bond between the police department and our students, furthering the department’s relationship with community members.”

Chief Hardy served as the Rowley Police Chief. He was tragically killed in the line of duty in November 2014 by a drunk driver.

Fredy Hardy is the owner of Hardy’s Auto Body, a local car repair shop located in Rowley.

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West Newbury Police Announce “Good Morning” Program for Senior Community

April 5, 2016 by Leave a Comment

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

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Contact: Tricia Tiedt
Office: 978-769-5193
Email: tricia@jgpr.net

West Newbury Police Announce “Good Morning” Program for Senior Community

WEST NEWBURY — Police Chief Art Reed is pleased to announce that the West Newbury Police Department will launch its Good Morning West Newbury senior wellness check program on April 18.

The initiative serves as a voluntary well-being check for seniors or disabled adults living alone. The program – run through the department’s Community Policing Initiative – will collaborate with the West Newbury Council on Aging and community members.

Each morning, at a predetermined time, participants will call the police department to confirm they are OK. If a senior misses a call, a representative from the department will call to check on them. If they cannot be reached by phone, an officer will be sent to the participant’s home for a face-to-face check in.

“The “Good Morning” program will not only keep our seniors safe, but also strengthen the bond between officers and the residents they work to protect,” Chief Reed said. “I look forward to implementing the initiative, especially after seeing its success in other communities.”

Good Morning West Newbury is intended for seniors who live alone, but any adult who may be at risk for health issues, falls, accidents, or social isolation is welcome to apply. There is no fee for the program.

To enroll in Good Morning West Newbury, residents can get an application from the Council on Aging (located in the lower level of the Town Office Building) or at the West Newbury Police Department.

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West Newbury Police Warn Residents and Business Owners of National Grid Scam

March 22, 2016 by John Guilfoil 1 Comment

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

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Office: 978-769-5193
Email: john@jgpr.net

Contact: Tricia Tiedt
Office: 978-769-5193
Email: tricia@jgpr.net

West Newbury Police Warn Residents of National Grid Scam

WEST NEWBURY — Police Chief Art Reed would like to alert the business community about a recent National Grid scam and remind proprietors to never give into threats made over the telephone by people pretending to be working for a utility company.

The West Newbury Police Department has received a report of a person, representing himself as an employee of National Grid, calling business owners to notify them that their power will be shut off within a few minutes if payment is not received via a Money Gram or wire transfer.

Unfortunately, a business owner paid nearly $500 via Money Gram to the scammer.

Scammers and con artists ask for payment via wire transfer or through pre-paid debit cards, because the money is transferred instantly and irrecoverably. If a victim gives away a pre-paid debit card number or makes a wire transfer, the money is gone and lost forever. There is usually no way to recover those funds.

“Though the threats seem frightening when scammers call and threaten to disrupt the work day, it is best not to respond and simply hang up the phone,” Chief Reed said. “These calls are usually intimidating, but they carry no validity. Hang up and report the call to the police immediately. Most importantly, do not send money to anyone you do not know.”

Other characteristics of these types of scams include:

Scammers generally use common names and surnames to identify themselves.
Scammers may be able to recite the last four digits of a victim’s Social Security Number.
Scammers spoof the National Grid number on caller ID to make it appear that it’s legitimate.
Victims hear background noise of other calls being conducted to mimic a call site.

National Grid has released a statement saying customers should never make payment via gift card, pre-paid card, or money order.

The incident is under investigation.

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West Newbury Fatal Fire Electrical, No Evidence of Working Smoke Alarms

March 9, 2016 by Chelsea Belliveau Leave a Comment

West Newbury Fire Department
Michael Dwyer, Fire Chief
Public Safety Building
401 Main St.
West Newbury, MA 01985

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

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

West Newbury Fatal Fire Electrical, No Evidence of Working Smoke Alarms

State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey and West Newbury Fire Chief Michael Dwyer announced the cause of the March 8, 2016 fatal fire at 33 Meetinghouse Hill Road in West Newbury was electrical. The fire took the life of an elderly man, believed to be the homeowner. Positive identification will be made by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and released by the Office of Essex District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett. Three firefighters were injured and transported to a local hospital.

The fire originated in the basement of the single family home. The neutral wire for the electrical service had become disconnected and is the most probable cause of the fire. Damages are estimated at $500,000. A disconnected electrical service wire should be reported immediately to the local utility.

Electrical Fires

In 2014, electrical fires were the leading cause of fire deaths in Massachusetts. Eight fatal fires took the lives of 15 people. Fire officials recommend having a licensed electrician review your home’s electrical system every ten years. Small upgrades and simple safety checks can prevent larger problems. For a detailed guide to protecting your home from electrical fires, go to the Department of Fire Services website (www.mass.gov/dfs) and search for Electrical Safety.

No Evidence of Working Smoke Alarms

“Sadly, there was no evidence of working smoking alarms in the home,” said State Fire Marshal Ostroskey, “There have been 19 fire deaths so far in 2016 and in a significant majority of these tragedies, there have been no working smoke alarms.”

Chief Dwyer said, “Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the family. As we change our clocks this weekend, I would ask people to make sure they have working smoke alarms in their own homes and their parents’ homes and that they are less than ten years old.” Smoke alarms need to be replaced after ten years. He added, “West Newbury seniors who need help maintaining their smoke alarms can contact the fire department at (978) 363-1120.”

The fire was jointly investigated by the West Newbury Fire Department and State Police assigned to the Office of the State Fire Marshal and to the Office of the Essex District Attorney. Assistance was received from the Code Compliance Unit in the Department of Fire Services.

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One Killed, Three Firefighters Injured In Two-Alarm House Fire In West Newbury

March 8, 2016 by Jessica Sacco 1 Comment

West Newbury Fire Department
Michael Dwyer, Fire Chief
Public Safety Building
401 Main St.
West Newbury, MA 01985

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, March 8, 2016

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

Contact: Jessica Sacco
Phone: 978-769-5193
Email: jessica@jgpr.net

One Killed, Three Firefighters Injured In Two-Alarm House Fire In West Newbury

WEST NEWBURY — Chief Michael Dwyer reports that one resident was killed and three West Newbury firefighters were injured after a two-alarm house fire this morning.

The West Newbury Fire Department responded at 7:15 a.m. to a two-story wood-framed house located at 33 Meeting House Hill Road.

Initial responding units found heavy fire upon arrival and were unable to make entry into the home due to the conditions. A second alarm was ordered.

Firefighters had the heaviest flames controlled in about an hour and 40 minutes. While on scene, it was determined that a resident of the home was missing. The body of an elderly man was later recovered.

The victim is believed to be the homeowner, but officials are awaiting a positive identification from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. No name is being released at this time.

While battling the fire, three West Newbury firefighters were transported to Anna Jaques Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

“This was an extremely involved fire, and it took the combined efforts of several fire departments to bring the fire under control,” Chief Dwyer said. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victim’s family during this difficult time.”

Firefighters from Newbury, Newburyport, Amesbury, Groveland and Merrimack responded to the scene to assist. Newburyport, Amesbury and Merrimack units also covered the West Newbury station. State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey and investigators assigned to his office responded to the scene.

The home was destroyed. The origin and cause of the fire are currently under investigation by the West Newbury Police and Fire Departments and the State Fire Marshal’s Office. The Essex County District Attorney’s Office is also investigating, as the office has jurisdiction over unattended deaths in Essex County.

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West Newbury Police Advise Residents to Be Vigilant Securing Belongings This Holiday Season

November 18, 2015 by Jessica Sacco Leave a Comment

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West Newbury Police Department
Lisa A. Holmes, Chief of Police
401 Main St.
West Newbury, MA 01985

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2015

Contact: Jessica Sacco
Office: 978-769-5193
Cell: 978-270-5094
Email: jessica@jgpr.net

West Newbury Police Advise Residents to Be Vigilant Securing Belongings This Holiday Season

WEST NEWBURY — As the West Newbury Police Department investigates two break-ins that occurred over the last week, Chief Lisa Holmes reminds the community to take extra safety precautions securing their homes, vehicles and online packages to prevent theft this holiday season.

On Thursday, Nov. 12, police received a report of a past breaking and entering into a home on Garden Street where a suspect stole a television, jewelry and cash.

Police also responded to a reported breaking and entering into a business on Main Street on Tuesday, Nov. 17. While nothing appears to be missing, nearby vehicles were rummaged through along with the business’ office.

“Always secure your homes and cars regardless of the time of day, where you live or how long you are away,” Chief Holmes said. “Additionally, with the increase in deliveries occurring over the next several weeks, this is an opportune time for thieves to be out taking advantage of packages that are left unattended. Avoid shipping your items to your home if you or someone is not regularly there to retrieve them. In most cases, stolen gifts are gone forever.”

FedEx and UPS offer services to assist customers. To ensure packages are not stolen, consider:

• Requesting a signature on your deliveries, especially those of high value, so they are not left unattended. You can also give specific instructions on where to leave a package so it is not left in a visible spot.

• Signing up for an email alert that will notify you when your delivery is set to arrive.

• Choosing an alternative destination — either at work or at a family member’s, friend’s or neighbor’s house where someone will be home to receive the delivery.

• Re-directing packages, even if they’re already on their way. Send them to your closest FedEx or UPS office, or another secure location.

• Setting up a vacation hold if you’ll be away during the holidays so gifts will not be delivered to an empty house.

If you arrive home to find your package has been stolen, immediately report it to police. However, if the item was not insured, the chances of receiving it back are slim.

Residents should NEVER accept a surprise package or gift where a payment is required. Additionally, do not give out any personal information when retrieving a delivery if you initiated the purchase.

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West Newbury Fire Department Rewards Fire Prevention Contest Winners

October 29, 2015 by Jessica Sacco Leave a Comment

The West Newbury Fire Department and Pentucket Regional School’s public safety class will be providing pizza to a class that came in 1st place in the Fire Prevention Contest today at 10:30 a.m. Congratulations to the winner and thank you to all those who participated!