Plymouth Country District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz and Hingham Police Chief David P. Jones are proud to introduce Opry, a comfort dog to support the community.

The town of Hingham recently acquired Opry, a mixed breed, rescue pup hailing from Texas. A gentle and docile dog, Opry, who turns one on March 20, was bred for comfort dog work and donated to the Hingham Police by PAWS New England and funded through a grant from the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office.

Hingham Police School Resource Officer Thomas Ford is Opry’s handler, and Opry lives with Officer For and his family, Opry will be used to reduce stress and promote wellness and healing for members of the community. In addition to her presence in Hingham, Opry will also make appearances at the nationally accepted Plymouth County Children’s Advocacy Center. There, Opry will be available to comfort child victims of abuse.

Hingham Police Department photo.

“Opry is the first-ever comfort dog to serve with Hingham Police, and she is a great addition to the department and the Hingham community,” D.A. Cruz said. “We know all too well the traumatic effect that stress can have on young people. Officer Ford and Opry have worked hard at training, and Opry has developed a comforting presence and commands smiles wherever she goes.”

Opry has been in training for the past 9 months and has completed multiple courses in obedience through Donna Do Right’s Professional Dog Training in Norwell. The pup has also completed countless hours of exposure training in various social settings and recently received her AKC Canine Good Citizenship certification. Opry is currently completing a Therapy Dog Training workshop and certification with the Cohasset Working Dog Foundation.

Hingham Police Chief David P. Jones said, “I am extremely proud of the initiative that Officer Ford has taken and am excited to bring this resource to members of our community. Opry will make appearances as part of our community outreach at various locations such as the Senior Center, assisted living facilities, schools and other sites throughout town. Opry will also be utilized for our community policing programs and will be available to respond to critical incidents. I am grateful for our continued partnership with District Attorney Tim Cruz and his staff on this beneficial program.”

“Our MPD Dodgeball Squad “ThrowBo-Cop” took home the trophy at the inaugural Glowball Dodgeball Tournament to benefit Special Olympics at North Attleboro High School! The team dipped and ducked through round robin play to set up a showdown with Spongeball Dodgepants for the championship.

Despite a stellar display of ground game by Detective Walsh, who avoided a barrage of Spongeball fury like an over-caffeinated cheetah, the ThrowBo-Cop crew were forced to a winner-take-all final game. Down to the final 30 seconds, and up against a 2-on-1, Detective Pennie appeared to float upon the court like a fluorescent gazelle, evening the sides so that time expired, forcing a sudden death overtime! It was then, just moments into OT, that we sent Spongeball back to his pineapple.

After, the law enforcement teams joined Special Olympics athletes for a unified game to determine which team captain would earn Top Dog status. Congrats to Top Dog CJ!!

Mansfield Police Department photo.

An award ceremony followed, highlighting outstanding spirit, top fundraising individual (Bobby!!) and team fundraising. Altogether, the event, organized by North Attleboro Police Department, raised over $5,000 to support Unified Sports right here in Massachusetts.

Thank you to those who have donated and, if anyone would still like to donate, we have 5 official Team ThrowBo-Cop shirts (3 XL and 2 L) to the next 5 people who want to make a donation of $50 or more!! Follow the link here and send us a PM after your donation with your address.

Thank you to everyone who participated, volunteered, or helped make this event possible!” -Mansfield Police Department.

Mansfield Police Department photo.

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“And the results of the Glow Dodgeball Tournament are in…no we did not win, but our officers took home the award for Top Fundraising Police Department! Mansfield, MA Police Department took home the coveted 1st place trophy.

Over $5,000 was raised for Special Olympics Massachusetts and the North Attleboro High School Unified Sports Program.

Thank you to all our volunteers and everyone who came out to support the event…time to start training for next year!” -North Attleboro Police Department.

Mansfield Police Department photo.

“The Massachusetts State Police and several partner agencies are searching for a 71-year-old Sturbridge man who has been missing since yesterday afternoon. Searches last night and today focused on areas surrounding the Quabbin Reservoir in Ware and Belchertown.

George Guttler is white with gray hair and is approximately 6’ tall (see attached photo). He was last seen wearing a flannel shirt, black jeans, and black sneakers.

Just after 11 PM Friday night we located Mr. Guttler’s red Honda Civic parked in a lot near the Windsor Dam. The gate to enter that lot is locked at 6 PM nightly, which means that Mr. Guttler drove into the lot prior to that hour.

State and local police, assisted by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, conducted an extensive search of the surrounding area with patrols and K9 teams. That search concluded early this morning with negative results.

At approximately 9 AM this morning Troopers assigned to the MSP’s Special Emergency Response Team, a unit specially trained in search and rescue, resumed the search, assisted by the MSP Mounted Section, K9 Section, and Drone Unit. Ware, Belchertown, and Sturbridge Police and the DCR are assisting in the search and investigation.

Anyone who may have seen Mr. Guttler or who has information regarding his whereabouts should immediately call 911.” -Massachusetts State Police.

Massachusetts State Police photo.

“The New Bedford Fire Department is pleased to announce we have been awarded $11,275 for Student Awareness of Fire Education (SAFE) and $3,655 for Senior SAFE grants from the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services.

Over the past year, the SAFE Program has taught thirty-eight classes to kindergarten and 3rd grade students at nineteen elementary schools. The SAFE Program also conducts Fire Prevention Week demonstrations and as well as instruction to ten daycares throughout the City. These include the YMCA, West End Daycare, and Head Start Programs.

The SAFE Program members have provided Senior SAFE classes to residents of Tabor Mill Apartments and Olympia Towers.

The grant was written by Captain William Sullivan, who also manages the SAFE Program. The Department is proud of the great work done by Captain Sullivan and the members of the SAFE Program.” -New Bedford Fire Department.

“Earlier yesterday afternoon, hundreds of law enforcement professionals and other public safety personnel gathered at Saint Anthony of Padua Church to pay their respects to Trooper Tamar Bucci.

The Association and its members would like to extend our humble gratitude to all who came out in support. A special thank you to the several State Police Agencies from across the country that were in attendance and the numerous local departments.

State Police Association of Massachusetts photo.

Additionally, the Association recognizes the support of Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito and Attorney General Maura Healey.

From the Senate, we would like to recognize Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr and Senator Lydia Edwards. From the House of Representatives, we would like to recognize Chair Michael Day, Chair Tom Walsh, Vice Chair Richard M. Haggerty, Vice Chair Paul Tucker, Representative Jessica Giannino, Representative Jeff Turco, Representative Donald H. Wong and Representative Steve Xiarhos who were all in attendance. We would also like to recognize the North East Regional Troopers Coalition and the National Troopers Coalition.

The support shown today reminds us of the bond among our brothers and sisters in law enforcement. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the Bucci family, our members, including her classmates in the 85th RTT, and all those who had the pleasure of knowing her. Tonight we remember Trooper Bucci for her passion to serve and her ultimate sacrifice to our Commonwealth as an unwavering symbol of bravery.” -State Police Association of Massachusetts.

See full photo set here.

Did you know that the Federal Communications Commission has designated 988 as nationwide suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline?

Massachusetts lawmakers Rep. Marjorie Decker (D) and Sen. Julian Cyr (D) filed separate bills to implement 988 in Massachusetts, H.2081, and S.1274. Decker said one of the goals with 988 is to take police out of the equation when someone is in need of mental health treatment.

The hotline which will go live on July 16th and replace the suicide hotlines is an easy-to-remember way to provide more opportunities to support residents in need of these services.

In Massachusetts alone, there will be five 988 call centers, all of which are members of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Network: Call2Talk, Samaritans of Cape Cod & the Islands, Samaritans of Merrimack Valley, Samaritans, Inc., and Samaritans Southcoast.

By simply dialing 988 with a Massachusetts area code you will be routed to a counselor who is trained to help a person in crisis to focus on the stressful situation, treat their immediate needs, and teach them coping skills so they can handle the same or similar situations in the future.

“The MSPCA at Nevins Farm has just taken in 32 cats from a single home in Tewksbury, MA after their overwhelmed owner could no longer care for them, and 59 others were sent to Tewksbury Animal Control and other humane groups.

All of the cats but three are suffering from upper respiratory infections, and they all have painful, itchy ear mites as well as periodontal disease. The majority of the cats have also experienced severe, irreversible eye changes as a result of untreated infections.

“This is a case where one of the owners had died and the surviving spouse just could not take care of all these cats, especially as their health issues got more serious, and [he] was desperate for help,” said Meaghan O’Leary, the director of operations at the MSPCA at Nevins Farm.

We will be testing the cats for ringworm later this week, and the results of these tests, as well as how they respond to treatment for their respiratory infections, will determine the timeline of their availability for adoption.

The cats range in age from six months to about 10 years. We should have an update on their availability next week – in the meantime, the cost of care is expected to reach $10,000. We’re fortunate to be able to help in these situations, and our sole intention is to help the cats heal and then place them into loving homes.” -MSPCA-Angell.

MSPCA-Angell photo.

“Yesterday, we had our honorary swearing-in ceremony for 6-year-old JJ Montalban.

JJ is a New Bedford boy who is in desperate need of a heart transplant due to a rare heart condition. After meeting Ofc. Shane Harris and Ofc. Gene Fortes, JJ knew he wanted to become a police officer.

We are so happy to welcome JJ into our home here. We are praying for you JJ, and we love you!” -New Bedford Police Department.

New Bedford Police Department photo.

New program directs $50 million toward businesses reaching underserved markets, minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses, and $25 million for businesses that did not qualify for prior MGCC aid.

The Baker-Polito Administration announced the launch of a new $75 million grant program to support Massachusetts small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The new program is part of the plan to spend $4 billion in American Rescue Plan funding that was signed into law by Governor Charlie Baker in December 2021. The new program is modeled after Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation’s (MGCC) successful COVID-19 small business relief program. Under that effort, which became the biggest state-sponsored business relief program in the nation, MGCC oversaw the distribution of approximately $705 million to over 15,000 small businesses across Massachusetts. Today’s announcement was made at Luanda Restaurant and Lounge in Brockton, a family-owned business that received financial support through MGCC’s prior COVID relief grant program.

“We have been proud to support small businesses in every corner of the Commonwealth through the MGCC small business program during the pandemic, but we know that some challenges remain for many businesses,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “With the launch of this new effort, we can build on MGCC’s successful work and direct important federal funding to those businesses with the greatest need quickly and effectively.”

“Restaurants like Luanda are fundamental to the character of our neighborhoods, main streets and downtowns in every city and town in Massachusetts,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “This new initiative will ensure that businesses that need help the most will be able to take advantage of additional opportunities.”

The $75 million will be focused on small businesses that employ between two and 50 people, with $25 million directed toward businesses that did not qualify for previous MGCC grants because of a lack of revenue loss in 2020; and $50 million directed to businesses that reach underserved markets and historically underrepresented groups, or are minority-, women-, or veteran-owned businesses, or are owned by individuals with disabilities or who identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ community.

Under both categories, grants will range from $10,000 to $75,000, and will be capped at the lesser of $75,000 or three months of operating expenses. Grant funding can be used for employee and benefit costs, mortgage interest, rent, utilities, and interest on debt.

“The challenges faced by Massachusetts’ small businesses during COVID have been enormous, but in my district and across the state I have seen so many entrepreneurs and innovators respond with incredible perseverance and grace. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and they deserve our support,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka. “Today’s grants represent a choice by the Legislature to center small businesses in our effort for an equitable recovery. I am grateful to the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation for their work to distribute these funds to so many deserving businesses and I am thankful to all of the small businesses who have done so much for Massachusetts.”

“I am pleased to hear that the small business grant program, created through the Legislature’s ARPA bill, is now accepting applications, and will soon be distributing these funds to our small businesses,” said Speaker of the House Ronald J. Mariano. “Delivering on the Legislature’s intent to pass a bill truly focused on equity, a significant portion of the funds from the small business program will specifically target minority-owned, women-owned, and veteran-owned small businesses, as well as small businesses that didn’t receive previous grants during the pandemic. Small businesses are oftentimes the backbone of our communities and local economies, and I look forward to seeing these investments remain a priority for the House of Representatives moving forward.”

“When help was needed the most during the pandemic, the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation scaled up a nation-leading program to support our small businesses and the families and entrepreneurs behind them,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy. “I’m grateful to the MGCC team for once again stepping up to direct vital funding to the neighborhoods and communities that continue to face challenges created by this unprecedented public health crisis.”

“MGCC is pleased to be an instrument of recovery for the smallest of businesses throughout Massachusetts most affected by COVID-19 with these two new grants programs,” said Lawrence Andrews, CEO and President of MGCC. “The Baker-Polito Administration and the Legislature recognize that certain communities have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, and the goal of this funding will bring relief and stability to additional businesses throughout the Commonwealth.”

In addition to prioritizing applications from businesses that did not qualify for prior aid and businesses owned by individuals from historically underserved populations or operate in underserved markets, eligible businesses must currently be in operation and based in Massachusetts. Applicants must also demonstrate that business revenues for 2020 were between $40,000 and $2.5 million.

Learn more at EmpoweringSmallBusiness.org.

“Fire District 1 Chief Peter Andrade is pleased to announce the District has been awarded $3,100 in SAFE grant funds provided by the State of Massachusetts and Department of Fire Services to support fire education training to students in Cushman and DeMello Schools and an additional $1,910 in Senior Safe funding to support educating our seniors on fire prevention, general home safety and how to be prepared in the event of a fire.

We are proud of the hard work and dedication our team of SAFE educators provides year after year and we look forward to expanding that training into our senior community with the addition of the Senior SAFE grant.

Additional information will be made available as the program develops through cooperation with the Dartmouth Council on Aging.” -Dartmouth Fire District 1.