Thursday, May 9, 2013

CFD News Notes: Brush fires, retirements and more

By Mike Berger

Dry weather causes brush fires

The recent stretch of very dry days last week caused three brushfires to sprout up in Canton — including one that caused damage to a shed on Concord Avenue on Wednesday, May 1. Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the shed fire, which caused damage to the exterior of the structure, according to Fire Lt. Brian Marshall. Firefighters were also called to extinguish brush fires in the woods behind Morton Street on Friday evening and behind Shawmut Road (near the railroad tracks) on Saturday night.

Veteran firefighter Rodney Cleveland to retire

The firefighters’ union will host a retirement party for Lt. Rodney Cleveland, who will retire from the Canton Fire Department on June 30 after 33 years of service. The event is scheduled for May 31 at 7 p.m. at the American Legion Hall. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at fire headquarters on Revere Street.

Canton Rotary Club to honor former Chief Fitzpatrick

The Canton Rotary Club will honor former Fire Chief Jim Fitzpatrick with the “Service Above Self” Award June 11 at the Blue Hill Country Club. The award is part of the club’s 75th anniversary celebration and recognizes Fitzpatrick’s “tireless efforts” over many years of service to the community, including his 34 years with the Fire Department. He currently serves as a member of the Conservation Commission, Council on Aging, and Canton Historical Society.

CFD to host EMT classes

Beginning May 21, the Fire Department will host EMT classes that run through August. The course will be taught by Ann Healey of Norwood Hospital, and a discount will be offered to Canton residents. Upon completion of the course, students will be eligible to take the state EMT exam and become certified. The cost of the course and materials is $600. For more information, contact Chief Doody at 781-575-6654.

Legislature approves over $1.15M in road funding for Canton

Senator Brian A. Joyce joined his colleagues in the Senate to pass a $300 million Chapter 90 bill that provides funding directly to local municipalities for infrastructure repairs and improvements. For Canton, the $1,158,755 represents an additional $386,252 over the previous year.

“This investment in state road, bridge, and rail transportation projects is important for our continued commercial vitality, and the Chapter 90 funds will provide for much needed infrastructure repairs throughout the district,” said Joyce. “These funds will go directly to the repair and maintenance of the streets and bridges we drive on every day.”

The bill already passed the House and will now head to the governor for his signature.