LETTER: Selectmen, Town Manager Respond to Firefighter's Accusations

Town Manager Richard Montuori and the Board of Selectmen say it is the stubbornness of the union that is resulting in intermittent closure of South Fire Station.

LETTER: Selectmen, Town Manager Respond to Firefighter's Accusations

Town Manager Richard Montuori and the Board of Selectmen say it is the stubbornness of the union that is resulting in intermittent closure of South Fire Station.

Dear Tewksbury Residents, There has been much discussion over the past few weeks regarding the potential periodic closing of the South Fire Station next fiscal year due to a reduction in funding for overtime.  In an open letter to the Town, a member of the Tewksbury Fire Union has accused the Board of Selectmen and the Town Manager of not caring about the South end of Tewksbury or about public safety. We consider this an outrageous accusation and a scare tactic of the worst kind.  In fact, the Board of Selectmen and the Town Manager value all of the Town’s public safety personnel and appreciate the hard work and dedication they provide to our community. The issue of closing the South Fire Station has been a concern of the Board of …

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Rob R

12:24 pm on Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Dave- Thanks for the response and I admire your passion. Please know taxpayers who are going through a financial crisis and lifestyle change are only looking for the people they employ to do the same in fairness, while finding ways to keep everyone safe and continue educating our children. I will still welcome you with open arms incase of an emergency. Keep up the great work!   more ›

POTD: Firefighters Union Makes Donation To Community Food Pantry

Donation accepted by Food Pantry Board member Todd Johnson.

The Tewksbury Community Food Pantry, facing greater demands than ever before, received a much-needed donation this week from Tewksbury Firefighters Local 1647. In a ceremony at the Central Station, Local 1647 President Joe Kearns presented the check for $750 to Community Food Pantry Board member Todd Johnson. Johnson said the union has been a strong supporter of the Community Food Pantry for many years. Also on hand to present the donation were Local 1647 Vice President Jim Giasullo and Secretary Tim Holden.

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Patch Facts

5 Things You Need to Know Today: Wednesday, June 1

Bits of knowledge to help make you the smartest pea in the pod.

Here are 5 pieces of information to help make you the smartest person munching on a cheeseburger donut at Donna's Donuts. 1. Hail to the Queen and King: Congratulations to seniors Ally Greene and Craig Semenza, chosen last night as Tewksbury High's Prom Queen and King for 2011. We have photos and video from yesterday afternoon's Promenade at the high school before the prom. 2. Today's Forecast: According to the NWS, there is a chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2pm. Some storms could be severe, with hail, damaging winds, and frequent lightning. Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. Southwest wind between 7 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Tonight, there is a chance of showers and …

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UPDATED: Hazel Optimistic As He Prepares to Take Reins of Fire Department

Deputy chief will take over as acting chief May 27.

UPDATED: Thursday, 4 p.m. Despite the challenges he faces, Deputy Fire Chief Mike Hazel is optimistic about the state of the Tewksbury Fire Department, as he prepares to succeed retiring Fire Chief Richard Mackey. The Board of Selectmen unanimously approved the recommendation of Town Manager Richard Montouri at their meeting Tuesday night. "Mike will do a great job as chief," said Mackey. "He's done a great job as deputy chief the last couple of years and has had a great career with the department." Hazel has been with the department for 22 years. He assumed the title of acting deputy chief in July 2009 and was named permanent deputy chief on Nov. 10, 2010. Montouri said there were two "outstanding" finalists for the position of chief. …

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