Sheriff Koutoujian visited BPD last week as we were wrapping up our firearms training. Billerica officer’s were able to train using a mobile range acquired by the Sheriff’s Department. For more information on the technology visit here. BPD would like to thank the Sheriff and his staff for providing this resource.
L to R: Deputy Greg Carder, Deputy Justin Fagan, Captain Jim McManmon, Sheriff Koutoujian, Chief Dan Rosa, Deputy Chief Dan Doyle, Patrolman Craig Grogan
On January 13th three local heroes were honored at the Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls game at the TD Garden. Back in December a resident nearly drowned in Nuttings Lake after his canoe turned over. Patrolman Steve Cogswell (center) and civilians Frank McLaughlin and Eileen Conway were honored as part of the Heroes Among Us program.
The Heroes Among Us Award is presented to an individual or individuals who, through their unique commitment and humanitarian spirit, have made exceptional and lasting contributions to our community. At each home game, the Celtics and their fans have saluted the exemplary efforts of these citizens during a special in-game presentation on the legendary parquet floor.
To date, more than 550 individuals have received the Heroes Among Us Award. This program is proudly presented by the Mass State Lottery. Last year the Lottery gave back over $920 million in local aid to the 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts, and that local aid paid for public education and safety. Additional support provided by WEEI 850 AM and Comcast SportsNet.
Update Arrest 5/3/12 – William Meehan, 45, of 98 Central St. Peabody
The man below entered Billerica Coin & Collectibles on February 14th and made off with a large amount of jewelry. The image shows a male approximately 35-45 years old, approximately 230 lbs. The suspect was operating an early 2000’s Hyundai Elantra. Anyone who can identify the suspect below is encouraged to contact Billerica Police Detectives at 978-667-1212.
Some residents may have noticed the large trailer parked in the Billerica High School parking lot this week. The trailer, owned by the Middlesex Sheriff’s Department, is on loan to BPD.
The trailer is a completely self contained live firing range that is transportable to different locations. The range allows officers to complete their annual firearm recertifications in their own city or town and use real ammunition in video simulations. For more information on the mobile range please visit the manufacturer’s website here.
Story by Evan Lips elips@lowellsun.com
Lowell Sun News – Imagine a town center where you didn’t have to turn south on Concord Road to head north on Boston Road.
A town center with two-way traffic on Boston Road, a sidewalk linking the common to the Shops at Billerica and a traffic pattern with three sets of signals instead of seven.
Selectmen asked a Rhode Island engineering firm to come up with a few new concepts for the future of the town center, and last night they got a good look.
The board voted unanimously to send one of the two conceptual designs to the Traffic Management Committee, which will begin hosting public discussion forums later this winter. The Historic Districts Commission will also have a say.
The concept calls for turning the section of Concord Road between Blanchard Avenue and Andover Road into a one-way, northbound road with about 25 parking spaces abutting the common and a raised crosswalk in front of the library. Andover Road would have a dedicated left-turn lane for traffic to head south on Boston Road.
Kien Ho, a Beta Group traffic engineer, said the proposal “simplifies the volume of traffic into one main line,” Boston Road.
Beta Group Associate Darshan Jhaveri said the changes would make the common as accessible as it is during the Christmas-tree lighting while also improving traffic. But the plan would also reduce the number of parking spaces on Boston Road from about 15 to about seven.
Turning the concept into reality won’t be cheap. Town Manager John Curran said last night that initial estimates call for about $14 million. But he added that these are the types of projects that can be completed by towns with level debt. Last fall, Town Meeting voted to transfer $1.4 million in free cash to the town’s debt stabilization fund.
Curran said the fund “helps preserve the tax rate the way it is” and noted that between $2 and $4 million could be available from the state’s MassWorks Infrastructure Program. Improving the town center, he added, will also “add value to the whole area.”
The Traffic Management Committee will meet Monday at 7 p.m. to review the design, but public hearings have not yet been scheduled.
Beginning February 4th, 2012, in accordance with a contract between Griggs Farm and the Billerica Police Department, there will be goose hunting at the farm located at 599 Boston Rd. Signs have been posted at the perimeter of the property informing residents about the hunting. The hunting will be on Grigg’s land only in compliance with Massachusetts hunting and gun laws. The hunting will be done by paid hunters for the purpose of controlling the loss of crops. Both Billerica Police and the Massachusetts Environmental Police will be ensuring the laws are being followed. If you are interested in reviewing the contract in question it is available on our website here.
