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Granville Fire responds to jet ski accident By GREG FITZPATRICK Correspondent GRANVILLE – The Granville Fire Department responded to a reported jet-ski accident at approximately 9:14 p.m. Wednesday night on a small body of water in the town. Granville first responders requested the assistance of both the Southwick and Westfield Fire Departments as well as a Life Star Air Helicopter. According to Granville Fire Chief Matt Ripley, it was determined that Life Star wasn’t needed as the patient’s injuries weren’t serious and was taken care of by Granville EMT’s. “It sounded like it was going to be a pretty major call, but it turned pretty minor,” said Ripley. All units that were involved in the incident were reported to be back at their respective headquarters by 10 p.m. Ripley encourages residents or any other individuals using any bodies of water in Granville, to keep their activities during the daylight times and to maintain the proper safety precautions.
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Westfield Police arrest one after altercation
Westfield Fatal Fire Started on Stovetop STOW – State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey and Westfield Fire Chief Mary Regan announced the cause of the June 17, 2017 fatal fire at 40 Park Street, Westfield is accidental. The fire started on the kitchen gas stove top at about 2:30 in the afternoon. On top of the stove was a power strip, underneath a pile of possessions. Whether the materials were ignited by the normal heat emitted by the power strip, a failure of the power strip, or by the gas pilot light, cannot be definitively determined, but the fire is considered accidental. The Hampden District Attorney’s Office said the fire took the lives of 92-year old Mary Woodworth and her 54-year old daughter Theresa Woodworth, who had been caring for her elderly mother at home. “Sadly, there were no working smoke or carbon monoxide alarms in the home that would have given at least the daughter, a chance to escape while the fire was still small,” said Westfield Fire Chief Mary Regan. “There was no evidence that any smoke or CO alarms had been installed at all. The Westfield Senior Center’s Retire the Fire! program helps older adults make sure they have working smoke alarms,” she added. The house was filled with excessive clutter that not only trapped the victims inside, but also made it difficult for firefighters to gain entry to the home to attempt a rescue and to fight the fire. In February of this year, a nearly similar fatal fire occurred in Beverly. A kitchen fire blocked the ability of the victim to reach the only usable exit in her home. In 2016, three people died in fires where excessive clutter was an issue for the residents trying to escape, or firefighters trying to rescue them. State Fire Marshal Ostroskey said, “No one thinks a fire will happen to them, but
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Cory DeGray, founder of the Knightsmen Band, marks 50 years this summer in the music business.
A group of residents ride in style on their beachtheme float as part of a past Wyben Independence Day Parade. (WNG file photo)
July 4 events in the area By DAN DESROCHERS Correspondent Planning on going out to celebrate our nation’s independence? Then here is the line-up of events happening in our coverage area.
WESTFIELD In Westfield, many events are happening, including fireworks, live music and parades. Westfield’s Fireworks for Freedom event will be happening Saturday, July 1, starting at 6:30 p.m., at South Middle School on West Silver Street. In the event of rain or other inclement weather, the event will be rescheduled to the following day, Sunday July 2nd. It is important to remind everyone that no pets, no smoking, no alcohol and no bikes are allowed on the field at South Middle School during the event. Also around the fireworks Cory and the Knightsmen – celebrating 50 years – will be headlining the event at 7:00 p.m. The Knightsmen Band will perform a selection of Americana songs to celebrate the Fourth of July, as well as tunes from the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, and some Neil Diamond classics. Vendors will include Moolicious, Angelo’s Fried Dough, Sub King, Ed’s French Fries, Kettle Korner, face painting, among others, according to information released from the city of Westfield. Parking for the event is available in all city lots, including South Middle School, city hall and the YMCA on Court Street, the senior center on Noble Street, Baystate Noble Hospital and Abner Gibbs School on West Silver Street, as well as limited space at Amelia Park, among other areas. Handicapped parking will be available at South Middle School, Westfield Boys and Girls Club on West Silver Street and Amelia Park Children’s
Karren Valliere and Bob Jenkins are entertained by a past fireworks display in Westfield. (WNG file photo) Museum on South Broad Street. In addition, a new service this year will be a police-monitored pick-up and dropoff location intended for young adults, located at the Firtion Adams Funeral Home on Broad Street. Police will be at that location and will also assist with crossing the road. This will occur from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and then again from 9:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Two parades will be happening on Tuesday July 4 in Westfield. The first one is the 61st annual Hampton Ponds Association July 4th parade. It will begin at 10 a.m. at the Hampton Ponds plaza on North Road. See July 4th, Page 3
American flags, tri-colored streamers, and a host of other patriotic decorations cover this allterrain vehicle at a past Hampton Ponds Association Independence Day Parade Friday. (WNG file photo)
While we celebrate our Independence, Freedom isn’t Free By LORI SZEPELAK Correspondent WESTFIELD-From family picnics to parades, to fireworks and concerts, city residents have a multitude of ways for several days to mark the birth of our nation’s independence. However, as we know – freedom isn’t free – and the days around the July Fourth celebrations also allow time to reflect and give gratitude to the men and women serving in the military who defend our personal freedoms. At Stanley Park, the Veterans’ Memorial is an honor memorial for the living and in memory of those who have passed. “The memorial is a special location to pause, reflect and appreciate just how much these men and women did for us in
By DAN DESROCHERS Correspondent WESTFIELD–Westfield Police arrested one individual after an alleged transaction between two parties went awry. On Wednesday evening around 8:40pm Westfield Police arrested Derek A. Alamed, 28, of Westfield, after he was said to have allegedly DEREK ALAMED brandished a pellet gun following a transaction of a “product,” according to Westfield Police Capt. Micheal McCabe. McCabe said that Alamed and another person had agreed to exchange a product, which McCabe would not specify, at a location. The reported buyer of the product, who McCabe said was in another vehicle that was being operated by another person, allegedly took the product from Alamed and the driver of the vehicle fled. According to McCabe, Alamed allegedly brandished a pellet gun and reportedly gave chase to the vehicle in his own. The vehicle that the alleged buyer was in drove at a high rate of speed from the scene and reportedly clipped another vehicle on East Mountain Road, McCabe said. He said that the vehicles then made their way down Katharine Street, with the vehicle that the alleged buyer was in allegedly striking an additional parked car along the way. McCabe said that the two parties somehow made their way to McDonald’s on North Elm Street, which is were police were summoned. Police arrested Alamed and charged him with assault with a dangerous weapon and operating a motor vehicle with a license suspended.
the past, present and future,” said Bob McKean, managing director, Stanley Park. McKean noted that when he started at Stanley Park nine years ago the board was asked to build this memorial. “The memorial was done with donations and funds raised by the memorial stones,” said McKean. “These funds are all restricted to the memorial account and are not used for the running of the park.” McKean added when he recently viewed the park via Google Earth and saw the Veterans’ Memorial area, he made a discovery. “A very strong ‘heart’ shape is evident,” said McKean. “We did not plan this as we See Freedom, Page 3
Members of the Southwick Police Department congratulate Parker after he graduates from the Massachusetts Police Academy. (Photo courtesy of Southwick Police Department)
Southwick Police hire new full-time officer By GREG FITZPATRICK Correspondent SOUTHWICK – The Southwick Police Department has added an officer to their unit. On June 23, the department made the announcement that they have promoted Garett Parker as a full-time police officer. Parker, a resident of Southwick, was previously a reserve officer for almost a year at the Southwick Police Department. Prior to that, he was an auxiliary officer for the Westfield Police Department for two years. Parker is grateful to be given the opportunity that Southwick Town Officials have presented to him. “I was very excited,” said Parker. Chief David Ricardi is eager to see what kind of success Parker can have as an officer on his force. “He’s an enthusiastic young man,” said Ricardi. “I’m looking forward to working with him.” Members of the Southwick Police Department congratulate Parker after he graduates from the Massachusetts Police Academy. (Photo courtesy of Southwick Police Department) Graduating from the Massachusetts State Police Municipal Academy on June 23, Parker did the 24 weeks of intensive training in New Braintree and did all the other qualifications it would take to become a full-time police officer. “They just hammer you every day, mentally and physically,” said Parker. “It definitely solidifies that this is what I want, and no matter what, I’m not going to give up.” While Parker paid his own way for the academy, Ricardi and the Southwick Police Department sponsored him. Ricardi was aware of Parker’s experience at the training. “I kept an eye on him as far as his progress at the academy,” said Ricardi. It has been quite the busy week for Parker. After he finished the police academy last Friday, he got engaged on Sunday in Cape Cod and had his first shift as a full-time police officer Wednesday.
Garret Parker was promoted as a full-time officer at the Southwick Police Department on June 23. (Photo courtesy of Southwick Police Department)