Author: Camryn Langille

As the Fourth of July holiday approaches quickly, we would like to remind residents that the recreational use of fireworks is illegal in Massachusetts.

According to the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, there have been more than 550 fires and explosions involving illegal fireworks in Massachusetts in the past five years. Six firefighters were injured in these incidents, and damages were estimated at nearly $1 million.

Between 2019 and 2023, Massachusetts medical facilities treated more than 200 people for burns and other injuries associated with fireworks. Two dozen people were treated for severe burn injuries that covered 5% or more of the victim’s body.

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.

Please leave fireworks to the professionals!

National Police Week, which occurs this year between May 11 and 17, honors law enforcement officers who have given their lives in the line of duty. It is a time to recognize and pay homage to the sacrifices made to keep communities safe and an opportunity to support the colleagues and families of officers who have given their lives.

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund reported that since the first recorded police death in 1786, there have been over 24,000 police officers killed in the line of duty. With over 800,000 law enforcement officers currently serving in the United States, there are plenty of people to thank for protecting our communities. During this week, please extend your appreciation to local police officers by thanking them for their duty, or show gratitude to those who lost their lives in service by attending a local memorial service.

Distracted Driving Awareness Month, observed every April, is an opportunity to remind drivers of the importance of focused and safe driving. The month aims to raise awareness of the dangers of distracted driving to everyone on the road, including drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists.

December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, which raises awareness about the dangers of impaired driving and implements strategies for people to get home safely. Impaired driving is heightened during the holiday season, and the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration (NHSTA) reports that 13,524 people died in alcohol-impaired driving traffic deaths in 2022. To combat impaired driving, campaigns such as

Chief Brian Griffin is pleased to share that the Northborough Police Department has been awarded $21,334 in state grant funding to improve road safety.  The Healey-Driscoll Administration awarded more than $12.4 million in funding through the Municipal Road Safety, State Agency Traffic Safety, and Underserved Communities Traffic Safety Grant Programs. The Northborough Police Department received funding through the Municipal Road Grant