Billerica – On Monday, January 21, 2019, at approximately 7:00 PM, Billerica Fire and Police received a report of a possible house fire at #29 Andover Road. Upon arrival, a working fire was observed with significant fire breaching the windows of the home’s first floor. Billerica Fire Department spent multiple hours fighting the fire, which was complicated due to the extremely low temperatures. The estimated wind-chill during firefighting efforts was approximately negative sixteen degrees. At approximately 10:20 PM, rescue personnel were able to enter the structure where the homeowner, Romolo Capobianco, 78, was located deceased. The Billerica Fire and Police Departments, including the Massachusetts Fire Marshall’s Office along with State Police are conducting an investigation into the cause of the fire.

The Billerica Police and Fire Departments would like to extend its sincere condolences to the family and friends of Romolo Capobianco. Romolo was affectionately known as the “Tomato Man” from his long history of growing and selling tomatoes at his Andover Road home and our local Farmer’s Market. He also served for many years on the Billerica Housing Authority. He will be missed by all.

Any additional questions should be directed to Deputy Chief Roy Frost, 978-215-9653

Billerica – The Billerica Police Department has been awarded $19,320 to enhance surveillance at the new Billerica Memorial High School grounds.

“Our goal is to provide law enforcement officers with the most updated equipment and technology available to ensure their safety while they serve on the front lines to protect our communities,” said Lt. Governor Polito. “These awards will provide Massachusetts police officers with life-saving protective gear such as bulletproof vests, helmets and medical equipment as well as a range of technology items to bolster public safety.”

This competitive opportunity allowed local municipal police departments to solicit grant funding to address their equipment and technology related needs. Priority was given to applicants that solicited funding for items that would further enhance overall protection of officers on the streets or for items that would provide additional safeguards to protect schools and students from random acts of violence.

This grant will go a long way in ensuring enhanced security at the new Billerica Memorial High School for students, faculty and residents that use these facilities.

Commonwealth Press Release – Baker-Polito Administration Announces Local Law Enforcement Equipment And Technology Grants

On Saturday, October 27th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Billerica Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration will give the public an opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. Bring your pills for disposal to the DPW yard located at 248 Boston Road. (The DEA cannot accept liquids or needles or sharps, only pills or patches.) The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows year after year that the majority of misused and abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including someone else’s medication being stolen from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—both pose potential safety and health hazards.

For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the October 27th Take Back Day event, go to www.DEATakeBack.com.