Taunton Police Department

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

May 27, 2020 by Leah Comins Leave a Comment

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.

###

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

April 22, 2020 by Matthew Reid Leave a Comment

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.”

###

Taunton Police and Fire Departments Announce Positive Coronavirus Cases

March 26, 2020 by Benjamin Paulin Leave a Comment

TAUNTON — Police Chief Edward Walsh and Fire Chief Timothy Bradshaw confirmed today that the City of Taunton has been notified by Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) officials of three confirmed cases of COVID-19 within the Taunton Police Department and one positive case within the Taunton Fire Department.

Taunton Health Department officials were notified by DPH of the positive test results and have been in contact with each of the individuals. The patients have been isolated and are being supported and monitored according to public health guidelines. Under State and Federal privacy laws no further information is available about the individuals.

Close contacts (defined as someone who has spent more than 15 minutes within six feet of a positive case) have been identified, contacted by health officials, and are adhering to DPH orders for quarantine.

The quarantined close contacts will be monitored on a daily basis by Taunton Health officials while they are in quarantine to limit the risk of spread.

It should be noted that out of an abundance of caution, all members of each department that came in close contact with the individuals began to self-quarantine prior to the notification of positive test results of the confirmed cases.

The Taunton Police and Fire Departments will continue to respond to all emergencies and are taking all proper precautions when coming in contact with residents and community members.

Chief Walsh and Chief Bradshaw stress that this remains a very fluid and rapidly evolving situation and both departments are working closely with Mayor Shaunna O’Connell’s Office and Taunton Health Department officials. The Taunton Board of Health, Taunton Police Department and Taunton Fire Department will follow CDC guidelines and remain in contact with the individual throughout their illness.

“Our number one priority during this time is serving the people of our community while staying safe and remaining healthy,” said Chief Walsh. “At this time, we have three confirmed cases of COVID-19 in our ranks. All other members of the department who have been deemed a close contact have been contacted by the DPH and are following the proper guidelines. We would like to remind the community that the department remains fully operational during this time and that it is safe to call us if you are in need of assistance.”

Both departments will continue to limit access to the stations to outside visitors for general, walk-in business until further notice.

In an effort to continue practicing social distancing, all citizens are asked to make all non-emergency reports and inquiries to both departments by telephone or email, rather than in person.

The Taunton Police Department can be reached at its business line at 508-824-7522 or online at its website https://tauntonpd.com/. The Taunton Fire Department can be reached at 508-821-1452 or at its website https://tauntonfd.com/.

As always, please call 911 for any emergency.

“We are taking all of the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the virus and will continue to closely monitor the situation as it continues to unfold,” Chief Bradshaw said. “We wish everyone a quick recovery and hope that they’re all back to full health soon.”

Safety Measures & Precautions

In addition to limiting public access to the lobby, the Taunton Police and Fire Departments have taken the following actions:

Practicing social distancing while at work and at home
Increasing the cleaning and sanitation of common touch points and surfaces
Encouraging proper self-care and hygiene including frequently washing hands, ensuring bathrooms are stocked with hand washing materials and making cleaning products and sanitizers available
Ensuring all personnel are fit-tested for masks
Reviewing Contagious Diseases and Pandemic Planning and Response policies
Reviewing the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Modifying medical response protocol
Ensuring the department has ample supplies of PPE for medical responses

These temporary measures will be reviewed on a continuous basis. When changes are necessary, they will be communicated to the public.

For more information, visit the DPH website by clicking here and the CDC’s website by clicking here.

###

Taunton Police and Fire Departments Respond After Two Children Fall Through Ice into Taunton River

January 23, 2020 by Benjamin Paulin Leave a Comment

Children Pulled out of River by Good Samaritans and TPD Officers

TAUNTON — Police Chief Edward Walsh and Fire Chief Timothy Bradshaw report that the Taunton Police and Fire Departments responded after two children fell through the ice and into the Taunton River Thursday afternoon.

Two 14-year-old boys are expected to be okay after being rescued from the river by three Good Samaritans and four Taunton Police officers.

At approximately 2 p.m. Thursday, Taunton resident Kevin Boss, age 54, was driving in the area of County Street and Ingell Street when he noticed two boys that were in the Taunton River. One of the boys was trying to swim to shore while the other was struggling to stay afloat.

Boss pulled over and grabbed a rope from this vehicle. Simultaneously, two Taunton School Department employees, Assistant Storekeeper Nick DaCosta and Community Facilitator Lynne Farina, also saw the boys and both pulled their vehicles over to help.

A short time later, Taunton Police Officer Daniel Williams, Officer Matt Travers, Officer Brendan Canary and Captain Daniel McCabe arrived on scene.

The seven adults used the rope to safely pull the boys ashore.

The Taunton Fire Department responded quickly to the scene and transported the boys via ambulance to Morton Hospital to be evaluated. The boys are expected to be okay.

It is believed that the boys were in the water for approximately five minutes.

Police Chief Walsh would like to praise the efforts of his officers and the Good Samaritans who helped pull the boys to safety.

“This was a fantastic job by the people who stopped and our officers who helped to get these boys out of the water quickly,” Chief Walsh said. “Thankfully, it appears that the boys are going to be alright.”

Fire Chief Bradshaw echoed Chief Walsh’s sentiments and also warned that it is never safe to step on thin ice.

“Thankfully these boys weren’t seriously hurt and the people who stopped to help should be considered heroes,” Chief Bradshaw said. “Though temperatures have been cold recently, it has not been cold long enough to make it safe to walk, skate or fish on any waterway in Taunton.”

As a policy, the Taunton Fire Department does not certify whether any bodies of water are safe to use for recreational purposes. Those who do choose to go out on ice should stay away from all ice in the area of open water, flowing water or where the ice looks slushy or thin.

The Taunton Police and Fire Departments would like to recommend the following ice safety tips:

General Ice and Cold Water Safety

Never go onto the ice alone, since it’s unlikely you will be able to call for help if you fall through the ice.
Always keep your pets on a leash. If a pet falls through the ice, do not attempt a rescue it. Call 911 instead.
New ice is usually stronger than old ice. As the ice ages, the bond between the crystals decay, making it weaker, even if melting has not occurred.
Beware of ice covered with snow. Snow can insulate ice and keep it strong, but can also insulate it to keep it from freezing.
Slush is a danger sign, indicating that ice is no longer freezing from the bottom and can be weak or deteriorating.
Ice formed over flowing water (rivers or lakes containing a large number of springs) is generally 15 percent weaker.
Ice seldom freezes or thaws at a uniform rate. It can be one foot thick in one spot and be only one inch thick 10 feet away.

What To Do If Someone Falls Through Ice

Reach-Throw-Go: If someone falls through the ice and you are unable to reach that person from shore, throw them something (rope, jumper cables, tree branch, etc.) If this does not work, go for help before you also become a victim. Get medical assistance for the victim immediately.
If you fall in, try not to panic. Turn toward the direction you came from. Place your hands and arms on the unbroken surface, working forward by kicking your feet. Once out, remain lying on the ice (do not stand) and roll away from the hole. Crawl back to your tracks, keeping your weight distributed until you return to solid ice.

###

Taunton Police and Fire Departments Begin 13-Week Emergency Response Training Program Tonight

January 16, 2020 by Leah Comins Leave a Comment

TAUNTON — Police Chief Edward Walsh and Fire Chief Timothy Bradshaw report that the Taunton Police and Fire Departments have begun a 13-week emergency response training program tonight.

The multi-agency training exercise will be taking place at a location near the downtown. The training sessions will be done every Thursday night beginning at 5 p.m.

Residents may see an increased first responder presence in the area of Winthrop Street while the training is ongoing, but should know there is no cause for alarm.

During tonight’s training, a brief segment of the exercise was inadvertently broadcast over a secondary radio training channel. However, no further radio use will be done for the remainder of the training sessions.

###