Taunton Police Department

Taunton Police and Fire Respond to Single Vehicle Rollover Crash Sunday Night

November 29, 2021 by jgprstaff

Police Chief Edward J. Walsh and Fire Chief Timothy Bradshaw report that the Taunton Police and Fire Departments responded to a serious motor vehicle crash on Myles Standish Boulevard last night.

On Sunday, Nov. 28 at approximately 11 p.m., Taunton Police and Fire were dispatched to the area of 300 Myles Standish Blvd. for a report of a motor vehicle rollover. Upon arrival, rescuers found that the 2016 Audi A6 had rolled onto its roof.

The driver, a 49-year-old man, and a passenger, a 52-year-old woman, were found to be pinned inside the vehicle and were rescued by firefighters on scene. The passenger was transported by medical helicopter to Rhode Island Hospital in Providence.

The driver was transported by ambulance to Rhode Island Hospital in Providence as well and has since been treated and released.

The Taunton Police Accident Reconstruction Team responded to the incident. The crash remains under investigation.

Myles Standish Boulevard was temporarily closed while first responders were at the scene.

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Taunton Police and Fire Departments Remind Residents that Fireworks are Illegal Statewide

July 1, 2021 by jgprstaff

Police Chief Edward J. Walsh and Fire Chief Timothy Bradshaw would like to remind Taunton residents that the recreational use of fireworks in Massachusetts is illegal.

According to Massachusetts State Fire Marshal, fires started by fireworks increased by 180% in 2020 and complaints to local police departments increased significantly as well. This year, State and local law enforcement agencies will be ramping up their efforts to stop illegal firework use and sales in Massachusetts.

The possession, use and sale of fireworks without a professional license is against the law in Massachusetts, and punishable by confiscation, fine or imprisonment. Fines range from $100 to $1,000, and some violations could carry a one-year prison sentence.

In order to cut down on residents purchasing fireworks in other states and transporting them back to Massachusetts, members of the State Police will begin targeted patrols along state lines to enforce fireworks laws.

According to the Massachusetts State Fire Marshal, between 2011 and 2020, there were over 900 reported major fires and explosions involving illegal fireworks. During that time span, 32 people were treated at Massachusetts emergency rooms for severe burns or other injuries from fireworks.

Residents are encouraged to report any misuse of fireworks they notice in their community to the Taunton Police Department at 508-824-7522 . In case of a firework-related or other emergency, always dial 911.

The Taunton Police and Fire Departments wish everyone a happy and safe Fourth of July!

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Taunton Police and Fire Departments Respond to Manhole Explosion

June 1, 2021 by jgprstaff

A manhole exploded earlier today in the vicinity of East Broadway Street and St. Mary’s Square. (Photo courtesy Taunton Police Department)

Police Chief Edward J. Walsh and Fire Chief Timothy Bradshaw report that the Taunton Police and Fire Departments responded to a manhole explosion earlier today.

The road from East Broadway Street to St. Mary’s Square had been shut down out of an abundance of caution while crews worked. One lane has since been reopened while Taunton Municipal Light Plant remains on-scene conducting repairs to an electrical line.

At approximately 11:20 a.m., Taunton Police and Fire responded to the area of Broadway and Church St. after a Taunton Police officer working a road detail reported a manhole explosion.

Taunton Municipal Light Plant responded to disconnect electrical service to the scene as well.

The cause of the explosion was due to an electrical line that was hit by a road crew working in the area. The damaged electrical line resulted in a fire in the nearest Taunton Municipal Light Plant manhole, and the pressure released from the fire blew one manhole cover off.

A worker who was inside the hole at the time of the fire was able to escape without sustaining injury. No other injuries were reported.

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Taunton Police and Fire Departments Receive Donation of KN95 Masks From Local Business

May 27, 2020 by

From left: Patrolman Brendan Canary, Mechanics Cooperative Bank President Joseph Baptista Jr. and Fire Chief Timothy Bradshaw with the donation of 2,000 KN95 Respirator Masks from Mechanics Bank on Wednesday. (Photo courtesy Taunton Police Department)

Mechanics Bank President and Chief Executive Officer Joseph Baptista Jr. delivered 2,000 KN95 Respirator Masks to the Taunton Police Department and Taunton Fire Department today. (Photo courtesy Taunton Police Department)

TAUNTON — Police Chief Edward J. Walsh and Fire Chief Timothy Bradshaw are pleased to announce that the Taunton Police and Fire Departments received a donation of KN95 masks from a local business on Wednesday.

Mechanics Cooperative Bank of Taunton donated 2,000 KN95 Respirator Masks to the departments for personnel to use while serving during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mechanics Bank President and Chief Executive Officer Joseph Baptista Jr. delivered the KN95 Respirator Masks earlier today.

Police Chief Walsh and Fire Chief Bradshaw would like to thank Mechanics Bank for their dedication to the community and first responders.

“We are extremely appreciative of this kind donation that allows us to better serve our community while remaining protected during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Chief Walsh. “This equipment will help to keep both our first responders and community members safe during the COVID-19 pandemic and further prevent the spread of the virus.”

“We are thankful to Mechanics Bank for their donation as we continue to fight the pandemic,” Chief Bradshaw said. “We are very grateful for the community support we have received during this time.”

First responders will use the masks to protect themselves from exposure to COVID-19 as they respond to calls involving people who may be reporting symptoms in line with COVID-19 or may have been in contact with a positive COVID-19 case. The department has put in place various procedures and is utilizing PPE to keep personnel healthy so that they can continue to serve the community.

The respirator masks will be issued to personnel as needed as the COVID-19 situation continues to develop.

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Taunton Police and Fire Departments to Give Thanks to Employees of Morton Hospital

April 22, 2020 by jgprstaff

First Responders Throughout Region to Line Up Outside Hospital During Shift Change

TAUNTON — Police Chief Edward Walsh and Fire Chief Timothy Bradshaw are pleased to announce that the Taunton Fire and Police Departments will be among several first responder agencies throughout the region paying a special visit to Morton Hospital in Taunton Thursday, April 23, to show their appreciation to the hospital’s employees.

Media members who are interested in covering this event should contact Lt. Eric Nichols of the Taunton Police, at 508-821-1471 ext. 3102 or at enichols@tauntonpd.com.

WHEN:

Thursday, April 23 at 2 p.m.

WHERE:

Morton Hospital, 88 Washington St., Taunton.

WHAT:

Taunton Police and Taunton Fire will be among several police, fire, EMS and EMA personnel from departments and organizations throughout the region participating in the Ride of Appreciation event.

First responders will be driving their police cruisers, fire engines and ambulances around the hospital to show support for all healthcare workers.

After the ride-around, everyone will post by the vehicles for approximately one hour to greet staff coming in and out during the 3 p.m. shift change.

At approximately 3:15 p.m., a MedFlight helicopter will do a flyover to conclude the event.

“Healthcare workers have been on the front lines in this fight against the coronavirus, and this event is a great opportunity to show them how much we appreciate the work they have been doing,” Chief Walsh said. “We hope neighboring departments will join us in thanking the men and women of Morton Hospital for all they have done.”

“As first responders we know the difficult sacrifices that have been made during these difficult times, and healthcare workers have been working every bit as hard since the onset of this pandemic,” Chief Bradshaw said. “It has been inspiring seeing the doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals working tirelessly to keep our communities safe, and it means a lot to be able to show them our appreciation.”

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First Responders Throughout Region to Line Up Outside Hospital During Shift Change

WHEN:

WHERE:

WHAT:

Fire Chief Steven P. Lavigne

Fire Chief
Steven P. Lavigne