“Today, Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito joined Secretary of Public Safety and Security Terrence Reidy, legislators and public safety officials at the Yarmouth Police Department for a ceremonial bill signing of An Act allowing humane transportation of K9 partners, also known as “Nero’s Law.”

The bill was sponsored by Representative Steven Xiarhos (R-Barnstable) and Senator Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford) in response to the line-of-duty shooting that killed Yarmouth Police Sergeant Sean Gannon and severely injured his K9 partner Nero in 2018. At the time of Sgt. Gannon’s death, Massachusetts law did not allow for Nero’s critical injuries to be treated by emergency medical personnel. Nero’s Law now permits emergency medical personnel to offer emergency medical treatment and transport of K9 partners, including first aid, CPR and lifesaving interventions.

“Nero and all K9 Officers like him deserve the same quality of care that we are able to deliver to all law enforcement personnel,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “The swift medical treatment and transport now permitted through Nero’s Law will save lives, and we are grateful to the Legislature for their commitment to this important issue.”

“K9 Officers have an incredible impact on the communities and the departments they serve, and they risk their lives each day to keep residents safe from harm,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Nero’s Law fulfills our shared obligation to care for them as they do for us and reaffirms our administration’s dedication to supporting those that bravely protect and serve.”

“Police dogs perform vital public safety functions in communities across the Commonwealth,” said Secretary of Public Safety and Security Terrence Reidy. “When an officer’s K9 partner is injured in the line of duty, they deserve the immediate access to life-saving treatment and transport that this law makes possible. Today’s bill signing protects loyal partners like Nero and renews our promise to never forget Sgt. Sean Gannon.”

“The Gannon Family is profoundly grateful to the legislators and veterinary professionals who took the initiative to draft the Bill that became Nero’s Law, which affords our beloved K-9s who serve us all with unfailing loyalty the expedient care they richly deserve if and when needed,” said Denise Gannon.

“I would like to thank Governor Baker for coming to Yarmouth today and for his leadership, as well as the many other people who were instrumental in seeing this bill become a law. As the former Deputy Chief of Police for the Town of Yarmouth, and as someone who therefore has a deep personal connection to the events of April 12, 2018, I am extremely gratified to see Nero’s Bill signed into law. This bill is evidence that good people can come together to do great things for the community. It is also evidence that Massachusetts is proud to stand by its first responders and to support them in their mission, and to protect them when needed,” said Representative Xiarhos (R-Barnstable).

“Today, we honor Sean and all the K9 officers and members of law enforcement who have dedicated their lives to keeping our communities safe. I am immensely grateful to Denise Gannon, Governor Baker, and my legislative colleagues for ensuring we got this bill signed into law. As a native son of New Bedford, Sergeant Gannon, and by extension his K9 partner Nero, is forever a beloved part of our community. It has been an absolute honor and a privilege to help honor the life of such an incredible man and dedicated public servant. I hope today makes Denise, Patrick, Dara, and the entire Gannon Family proud,” said Senator Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford).

“On this sobering 4th anniversary of K9 Sgt. Sean Gannon’s murder, we are humbled by the signing of Nero’s Law. It is legislation that we owe to our fearless K9’s who put themselves in harm’s way for our protection. Our K9 handlers also need to know that their K9 partners will receive the very best care available should they be injured,” said Yarmouth Chief of Police Frank Frederickson.

“We are thrilled with the passage of this legislation that protects these animals that do so much for us and ask so little in return. There are many examples of the sacrifices that Police K9’s make in protection of their human partners. We experienced this in Braintree on June 4, 2021, when Kitt saved the life of 3 officers during a violent assault. Although medical intervention would not have saved Kitt that day, there are numerous instances where timely medical treatment will save the life of a heroic K9. We feel that providing medical care is the least we can do for them,” said Braintree Chief of Police Mark Dubois.”

See entire photo set here.

“We need your help.

This young lady has not been seen since 2:20 PM after leaving Hastings Middle School today. There is no indication that this is an abduction, all signs point to a Runaway situation at this time. She is known to have ties to the Pawtucket RI area.

If anyone has seen or currently knows her whereabouts contact the Fairhaven Police Department at 508-997-7421. Please do not Facebook Message us as Messenger is not monitored 24/7.” -Fairhaven Police Department.

Fairhaven Police Department photo.

Following her office’s announcement of a $26 billion resolution with the nation’s largest drug distributors, Cardinal, McKesson, and AmerisourceBergen, and Johnson & Johnson, which manufactured and marketed opioids, Attorney General Maura Healey today joined with mayors, municipal and health care leaders from across the state, and families harmed by the opioid epidemic to celebrate $525 million in funds that have been secured for prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery programs throughout Massachusetts.

As part of the resolution, first announced in July 2021, municipalities across the country were eligible to sign-on to receive settlement funds to abate the crisis in their communities. Today, AG Healey announced that, because of widespread support from cities and towns, Massachusetts will receive the maximum amount under the settlements. In addition, as the result of an agreement secured by the AG’s Office, all of funds will go toward abatement resources for communities and families to address the devastating impact of the opioid crisis throughout the state.

“Massachusetts led the nation in taking on the opioid industry, and we will lead the nation in delivering prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery,” said AG Healey. “Cities and towns across our state worked together to secure more than half a billion dollars, and we are committed to using every dollar to provide the services that families need.”

Under the terms of the settlements, more than $525 million will be coming into Massachusetts over the next 18 years starting this spring. Of that, more than $210 million will be distributed directly to Massachusetts municipalities, and more than $310 million will go into the statewide Opioid Recovery and Remediation Fund to ensure that funds are spent on harm reduction, treatment, and prevention.

These settlements are the result of an investigation that found that three major opioid distributors shipped thousands of suspicious orders without regard for their legitimacy, and that Johnson & Johnson misled patients and doctors about their addictive nature.

The first two annual payments due under the settlements are expected to flow into the state this spring and summer. From 2023 through 2038, the payments are expected annually, in July.

For more information on the statewide opioid settlements, visit the AG’s FAQ here. This matter was handled by Senior Enforcement Counsel Gillian Feiner, Assistant Attorney General Sandy Alexander, Assistant Attorney General Matthew Lashof-Sullivan, Paralegal Philipp Nowak and Assistant Attorney General Mary Freeley, Deputy Chief of the AG’s Health Care and Fair Competition Bureau.

“The Town of Lakeville has seen a significant increase in forest and brush fires over the past two years.

The overwhelming majority of these fires occurred when backyard “controlled” fires went out of control. Of the 29 outside fires that occurred last year, 66% occurred during the permitted fire season.

Simple measures can keep our fire trucks from tearing through your property. DO NOT burn on windy or excessively dry days. ALWAYS have a garden hose on the ready. NEVER leave the fire unattended.

Interestingly, there was a big spike in fires during the COVID stay-at-home order.

The run of recent wind events has caused many trees and branches to fall. All of this newly fallen wood will be making the next forest/brush fire more difficult to fight.

Our ability to enter the woods has been severely restricted by all the debris. This debris will provide the fuel that will certainly increase the severity of the fires.

Please do your part to turn these statistics around.” -Lakeville, MA Fire Department.

Lakeville, MA Fire Department photo.

Lakeville, MA Fire Department photo.

Lakeville, MA Fire Department photo.

On March 1, the North Attleboro Police Department found a Chihuahua puppy left to die in a crate on the side of Draper Ave, North Attleboro. He was found by someone walking their own dog and it is not known for how long he was there.

He was brought to the North Attleboro Animal Shelter and received medical care and attention. After his care, Axel was in limbo so the North Attleboro Police Department adopted him as their official mascot until a home could be found for him.

Today, Wednesday, April 4th the North Attleboro Police Department was happy to announce that Axel was adopted and now has a “forever” home!

You can see photos and read about the day Axel was found here and about the arrest made here

Axel today. North Attleboro Police Department photo.

“I need some help spreading awareness about this super dangerous intersection that is gonna get someone killed.

I was in a bad accident with my kids yesterday. I have always been a cautious driver who used to carry a Class A CDL. It’s the new intersection in the north end next to Joe & Perkey’s Service Station, and Pa Raffa’s.

My daughter lives on Belair Street and to turn left with a green light is going to get someone killed. It very well could have been us if I didn’t stop in time. The police, tow trucks, and everyone else told me that since there are numerous accidents there, someone is going to lose their life if changes aren’t made it’s so dangerous.

Please help spread awareness to get people to discuss it. The police told me good luck with this as it’s the DoT’s responsibility.” -Brad Clark.

Photo by Brad Clark.

Photo by Brad Clark.

Photo by Brad Clark.

“Have you ever found baby animals in spring, such as a nest of bunnies? Their mother may only visit a few times a day to nurse, to help avoid attracting predators. Baby bunnies’ color patterns and lack of scent also help them stay undetected. In most cases, please leave young animals alone, and observe them from a safe, respectful distance.

You may see young animals in spring or summer. Even if these animals seem alone or weak, in nearly all cases, the best course of action is to leave the young animal alone. If you care, leave them there!

Newborn or just-hatched wildlife venturing into the world on shaky legs or fragile wings and are sometimes discovered by people. Every year, the lives of many young wild creatures (fawns in particular) are upset by people who want to help. These people take baby wildlife from the wild in a mistaken attempt to save them. In fact, these well-meaning people are actually harming the young animals’ chances of becoming normal adults. Remember, young wildlife belongs in the wild.

Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife photo.

For young wildlife, the perils of survival are a natural part of ecology. Some will not survive. However, young animals that learn well from one or both parents and are the most fit usually live the longest. Early unsteady steps and flights are part of normal development, helping young animals learn to take care of themselves.

Some types of baby animals develop quickly; others need more parental care before they can fend for themselves. It is at this time that most of the problems arise. Some people assume that young wildlife they have found has been abandoned by the parents. They believe that the young animals are helpless and need to be saved. In nearly all cases, this is a mistake: the young animals are neither abandoned nor orphaned.

When people intervene
People with good intentions sometimes try to rescue or care for young wildlife. In fact, the opposite is true. Human involvement can cause a lot of problems for these young creatures. Animals brought into human care end up missing out on learning experiences needed to survive in the wild. Even worse, the animal may die at the hands of someone who doesn’t fully know how to care for the animal.

Animals released into the wild are at a disadvantage, as they lack the skills needed to find natural food and cover. Young wildlife cared for by humans often end up attached to people, with little fear. This can lead to animals:

• Wandering into populated areas
• Attacked by domestic animals
• Hit by cars
• Getting into stored food, trashcans, or residences
• Injuring people

If you find young wildlife
If you want to avoid the problems related to people caring for wildlife, leave them alone! It may be very tempting to help these animals, but most of the time it isn’t necessary. The adults are often nearby for protection, and visit their young from time to time. In the rare case you find a young animal with visible injuries or with its dead mother, you can contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for assistance. Find a list of wildlife rehabilitators here.

Keep your pets indoors or restrained
One way you can help wildlife without actually caring for it, is to keep your pets indoors or restrained. This helps wildlife as pets often like to chase and hunt songbirds and other mammals. This also helps your pets to avoid dangers posed by wild animals, other pets, or automobiles.

Leave fawns (young deer) where they are found
Fawns are safe when left alone because their camouflaging color help them remain undetected until the parent returns. Learn more about what to do if you find a fawn here.

Finding birds
Young birds naturally have a low chance of survival, which keeps populations in balance with available resources. While baby birds may look helpless, they usually do not need your assistance unless you see visible signs of injury. If you find a hatchling or nestling (young birds without feathers) outside the nest, you can try to safely return it to its nest. The parents will not reject it if you touch it. If you find a fledgling (a young, fully feathered bird) outside the nest, leave it be. While it is spending some time hopping around on the ground learning how to fly, its parents are likely nearby still taking care of it.

Finding bunnies and other young mammals
Generally, young mammals are visited by their mother only a few times a day to avoid attracting predators to the young. For example, a nest of bunnies will only be visited by the adult female twice per day to nurse the young. The young are generally safe when left alone because their color patterns and lack of scent help them remain undetected. In most cases, it’s best to leave young animals alone.

Birds and mammals are protected under the law
Leaving wildlife alone is not only the smart thing to do for the animal, but for yourself as well. It is illegal to take an animal from the wild or keep one as a pet. Remember, if you care, leave them there!

Nearly all wild birds and mammals are protected under the law. They may not legally be taken from the wild or kept as pets. Never consider wildlife as possible pets; it is both illegal and unwise. They are wild animals that belong in the wild. An injured wild animal may be assisted, but a person must deliver the animal immediately to a licensed rehabilitator. MassWildlife licenses wildlife rehabilitators who are qualified to care for injured or truly orphaned wildlife. In cases where the services of a wildlife rehabilitator are required, names are available through the MassWildlife website or District offices.”-Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife.

“Yesterday’s search in Lee concluded without locating Meghan Marohn, 42, who has been missing since Sunday.

There is no further search of the Longcope Park area planned at this time, barring the development of new information. The investigation into Ms. Marohn’s disappearance is ongoing via other actions.

She is described as approximately 5”6” and 120 lbs. with red hair and green eyes. Ms. Marohn’s black 2017 Subaru Impreza was found several days ago parked on Church Street at Longcope Park, a wooded hiking area in south Lee.

We continue to ask that anyone who has seen Ms. Marohn or has information about her to call 911.” -Massachusetts State Police.

Massachusetts State Police photo.

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The Massachusetts State Police and the Lee Police Department are searching for a woman from New York state missing since Sunday, March 27. The missing woman, Meghan A. Marohn, 42, is white, about 5’6” and 120 lbs., with red hair and green eyes.

Ms. Marohn’s black 2017 Subaru Impreza was found parked on Church Street at Longcope Park, a heavily wooded hiking area in south Lee.

Lee Police Officers, members of the MSP Special Emergency Response Team, MSP K9 teams, an MSP Air Wing helicopter, and Troopers from the State Police-Lee Barracks, along with other local responders, conducted a search yesterday afternoon and evening in the area of Church Street and the park. Yesterday’s search concluded shortly before 10 p.m. and Troopers and Officers returned to the area this morning to resume.

The MSP’s Special Emergency Response Team is trained to conduct search and rescue missions in outdoor environments with challenging terrain features. Troopers from the State Police Detective Unit for Berkshire County are also on scene.

Anyone who believes they have seen Ms. Marohn or has information about her should call 911 immediately.” -Massachusetts State Police.

“Trooper Robert Burke, Honor Guard Commander of the Maine State Police, on behalf of the Maine State Police, presented the Massachusetts State Police with a memorial plaque in honor Trooper Tamar Bucci, who died in the line of duty while attempting to assist a disabled motor vehicle on March 3, 2022 on Route 93 in Stoneham.

Thanks so much to our brothers and sisters in Maine who know all too well of the devastating heartache and impact brought on by these types of tragedies.

Pictured from L to R: Trooper Robert Burke (Maine SP), Sergeant Byron Rizos and Major Walter Hanley (Troop A).” -Massachusetts State Police.

Massachusetts State Police photo.

“At yesterday’s second annual G.I.R.L.S. day, our members gave young girls an inside look at what it’s like being a police officer and showed them that one day they could be one too.

The girls got the chance to partake in mock activities, see K9 demonstrations, and even get an up-close look at a helicopter landing.

The Association would like to thank the City of Everett for hosting this year’s event and all the first responders who were in attendance. Giving these young girls an opportunity to see what the job is all about empowers them to hopefully grow into first responders themselves one day.” -State Police Association of Massachusetts.

State Police Association of Massachusetts photo.

State Police Association of Massachusetts photo.

State Police Association of Massachusetts photo.

State Police Association of Massachusetts photo.