Shortly before 2 a.m yesterday, massive 9-alarm fire consumed a motel and several neighboring buildings in Salisbury, Massachusetts.

On arrival, Salisbury Firefighters were met with heavy fire at the old Michael’s Oceanfront Hotel and several adjacent buildings by the beach. With the amount of fire and the strong wind gusts the fire went to 9 alarms. Very powerful wind conditions coming off of the ocean caused the fire to rapidly hop from building to building within minutes.

More than 100 firefighters and about 30 apparatus from various Massachusetts communities across Essex County and southern New Hampshire responded. Boston Sparks Association A10 and A11 with members Boudreau, Hassan, Holstrom, and Leone responded up north to assist Rehab 5 and Cataldo Tango 2 with rehab operations. A10 and A11 returned to quarters at 09:00.

Fortunately, no injuries have been reported, however, in the hours after the fire, the Red Cross in Massachusetts said its volunteers were assisting more than 30 residents who were displaced by the incident.

“A man facing Massachusetts charges of assault with intent to rape, assault with a dangerous weapon, and attempts to intimidate judicial and law enforcement officials — who was being sought by the Massachusetts State Police and the US Marshals Service after he escaped from the Lemuel Shattuck Hospital in Boston in September – was captured Saturday after Troopers, Marshals and other police officers determined he was in rural Georgia.

A man matching the description of fugitive DARREN P. DEVINE, 30, was spotted walking on Highway 32 in Brantley County, Ga., on Saturday. Brantley County Sheriff’s Department Deputies located the man, confirmed he was DEVINE, and placed him in custody without incident.

DEVINE is wanted in Massachusetts on multiple warrants issued by Orleans District Court and Barnstable District Court on a host of charges, including assault with intent to rape, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, domestic assault and battery, strangulation, breaking and entering in the nighttime, vandalism, intimidation, possession of a Class B narcotic with intent to distribute, larceny, and motor vehicle violations. He is also wanted on a warrant from West Roxbury District Court charging him with escaping from a penal institution.

On the afternoon of September 11, 2021, while on an outdoor break, DEVINE escaped from the Shattuck Hospital in Jamaica Plain, to where he had previously been committed by a District Court judge. DEVINE scaled a high fence in the holding facility and fled on foot.

The MSP Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section (MSP VFAS) and members of a US Marshals (USMS) Boston task force began searching for DEVINE, conducting address checks, interviews, and surveillance, but did not locate him. DEVINE was known by investigators to have a history of violence and an ability to hide and survive in the woods.

MSP VFAS and the USMS task force continued to work with other state and local police agencies to search for DEVINE in numerous locations, including places in Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, along the Canadian border, Virginia, North Carolina, and Florida. On Jan. 9, the Louisa County, Virginia, Sheriff’s Department notified MSP VFAS that DEVINE was a potential suspect in an active larceny investigation there.

Later that week, MSP VFAS and the USMS received information suggesting that DEVINE was traveling by car with his brother in the area of Savannah, Ga., and relayed the intelligence to USMS Southeast Regional Violent Fugitive Task Force, which quickly responded to the area and set up surveillance. On Thursday, Jan. 13, USMS with assistance from the Georgia State Patrol, Georgia Department of Corrections, and Deputies from various Sheriffs’ Departments located DEVINE’s brother, JORDAN DEVINE, at a convenience store. After a brief investigation JORDAN DEVINE was arrested and charged with impeding an investigation and possession of narcotics.

Law enforcement officers from the multiple Georgia agencies, utilizing foot patrols, K9s, and helicopters, converged on an approximately 3,000-acre, heavily-wooded swath of land where DARREN DEVINE was believed to be camping. On Friday evening, Deputies and Officers tracked DEVINE to a swamp and established a perimeter to ensure he could not escape. The next morning, DEVINE was spotted on the highway and arrested.

DEVINE was booked and is being held at the Brantley County Jail pending rendition to Massachusetts to answer to the charges here. A photo of DEVINE from the wanted bulletin issued by the MSP Fusion Center is included with this release.”

“WORKING SMOKE ALARMS ALERT OCCUPANTS OF FIRE:

Early this morning Chief 1, Engine 1, Engine 2, Engine 4, and Rescue 1 responded to a structure fire on Hitching Post Road.

The first due crew (E-1) found fire on the first floor of the home and mainly inside a wall. The fire was quickly contained and knocked down before it could extend to any other levels of the home.

Homeowners were woken up to the sound of a smoke alarm and quickly found smoke inside the home. Luckily, the alarms were working and the fire was found before it was much worse.”

Mattapoisett Fire Rescue photo.

Mattapoisett Fire Rescue photo.

Ice and cold water safety

Each year, many Massachusetts residents are injured in cold water. Learn about cold water and ice safety.
ice skates on pond.

Each year, New England residents safely enjoy boating, fishing, ice skating, and ice fishing, but many are injured from exposure to cold water. Skaters and ice fishermen fall through the ice and boaters capsize. Hikers sometimes have to camp overnight in harsh weather conditions. Unleashed pets run onto ice and people chase them. Learn safety tips about cold water exposure.

Ice and cold water safety

Each year many people are injured from exposure to cold water. Learn how to protect yourself and others.

• Always wear a personal flotation device (PFD) when boating.
• Dress properly for cold weather in wool, which insulates better from the effects of hypothermia when dry or wet than man-made materials. Keep your head covered because 50% of body heat is lost through the head.
• The only safe ice is at a skating rink. Ice on moving water in rivers, streams and brooks is never safe. The thickness of ice on ponds and lakes depends upon water currents or springs, depth and natural objects. Changes in temperature cause ice to expand and contract, which affects its strength. Because of these factors, ice cannot be called safe.

Hypothermia and cold water

Any water that is cooler than normal body temperature (98.6˚ F) is cold water. Cold water drains away body heat 25 to 30 times faster than air. Cold water does not have to be icy, it just has to be colder than you are to cause hypothermia. The lower the temperature of the water, the faster the onset of hypothermia.

Hypothermia is the extreme lowering of body temperature. Core body temperature below 95˚F causes shivering, confusion, and loss of muscle strength. If not treated and reversed, hypothermia leads to unconsciousness and death. Experts estimate that half of all drowning victims die from hypothermia, not from water-filled lungs.

What to do if someone falls through the ice

• Call 9-1-1 immediately. Properly trained and equipped rescuers will respond.
• DO NOT go out on the ice. Many would-be rescuers become victims themselves.
• Reach, throw or row. Extend a branch, pole or ladder to the victim. Throw a buoyant object such as a life ring or float tied to a rope. If a boat is nearby, row out to the victim or push the boat towards them.

What to do if you fall into cold water

• Get into HELP position (Heat Escape Lessening Position). Bring your knees to your chest, hold your arms to your sides and clasp your hands. Cover your head if possible to protect your body from heat loss.
• DO NOT try to swim unless a boat, floating object, or the shore is close by. Swimming causes warm blood to circulate to your arms and legs, where it cools off quickly and reduces survival time by 35-50%.
• If you are in the water with other people, huddle tightly together with your arms around each other to preserve body heat.

Porch fire at 11:15 last night. 315 County st. U2, E6, E1 and L3 responded.

New Bedford Fire Department photo.

New Bedford Fire Department photo.

New Bedford Fire Department photo.

New Bedford Fire Department photo.

“My ex and I split up in the beginning of November. When he left he left a dog we had in my home.

The dog had a vet bill that I paid for back from September. The agreement was for him to pay half of the vet bill ($175) to have visitation with the dog. On 1-6-22 he called me and said he had $50 for the dog. So I agreed the dog could stay with him overnight. I called the next day and my ex proceeds to tell me that he went and had the dog licensed in his name and that he is not returning the dog.

I have proof of all of this. Under Massachusetts state law a dog is looked at as a piece of property. I have called the police several times and they refuse to do anything. Police say that they do not want to do anything because the dog was obtained while we were together. So it’s disputed property. But under law, as I said, a dog is considered property (I know it’s sad) and he moved out at the beginning of November and took the dog away last week. Property left after 30 days is considered abandoned. So by law, the dog is mine and that means that he stole the dog.

I’ve contacted a lawyer and the DA office who both say this is a larceny case.

But again police are no help. I’ve been to the courthouse to file my own criminal charges and a small claims case. With COVID and staff issues at the courthouse, I’m looking at July before I get in court.

I’m so frustrated and at my wit’s end about this. I was just wondering if you knew of any resources I could use? If you knew any help I’d greatly appreciate it. I need any help I can get at this point. I get a lot of advice like “Steal the dog back!”. Thing is, we have the same landlord. And if I ’cause problems’ he is threatening to kick me out.” -Anonymous.

A Dominican national residing in Lawrence pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to conspiracy and distribution charges involving large quantities of fentanyl.

Ysrael Nunez, 39, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl; one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl; and one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and aiding and abetting. U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin scheduled sentencing for March 18, 2022. Nunez was charged along with co-defendant Leisy Baez-Zapata in July 2019 and were subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2019.

In October 2018, agents began investigating a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that distributed fentanyl in the Lawrence area. Between October 2018 and July 2019, a cooperating witness made controlled purchases of fentanyl from the DTO and on July 24, 2019, Nunez sold the cooperating witness approximately 23 grams of fentanyl. During that meeting, they discussed the DTO supplying the cooperating witness with a kilogram of fentanyl. The following day, the cooperating witness made arrangements with Nunez to purchase a kilogram of fentanyl which Leisy Baez-Zapata subsequently delivered to the cooperating witness and an undercover agent.

On Sept. 29, 2021, Baez-Zapata was sentenced by Judge Sorokin to time served (approximately 26 months in prison) and three years of supervised release after previously pleading guilty.

The charges of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and distribution of 400 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alathea Porter of Rollins’ Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.

Proposal seeks critical authorization for investments in cybersecurity, public safety, workforce skills.

The Baker-Polito Administration today filed legislation seeking $4.991 billion in capital funds to support core improvements that will enable the Commonwealth to continue delivering critical state services to the people of Massachusetts.

The proposal, titled An Act Financing the General Governmental Infrastructure of the Commonwealth, includes $4.15 billion to maintain, repair, and modernize assets that serve those most in need across the Commonwealth, help educate the future workforce, deliver on key environmental objectives, and keep the Commonwealth’s communities and workers safe. It also includes $841 million to continue existing, successful grant programs that support Massachusetts communities, to improve cybersecurity and other technology infrastructure, and to acquire critical public safety equipment.

“This bill supports essential capital investments that will deliver long-lasting benefits to Massachusetts residents for years to come, with a focus on safety, resiliency and opportunity,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We look forward to working with our colleagues in the Legislature to make these important investments, which will pave the way for the continued efficient delivery of government services and economic growth.”

“The proposed investments in this bill continue our Administration’s work to improve a wide range of critical infrastructure and foster growth and development across Massachusetts,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “These funds will ensure the continuity of proven programs and enable impactful future economic, health and safety initiatives that will benefit the Commonwealth’s communities, businesses and residents.”

The bill filed today makes authorization available through Fiscal Year 2028 that would support $2.4 billion in existing maintenance and resiliency projects through the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM). DCAMM maintains nearly 1,700 major buildings covering 60.8 million gross square feet of property across the Commonwealth, including higher education buildings, health and human services facilities, public safety facilities, and trial courts. It also leads decarbonization and resiliency efforts in accordance with Executive Order 594, Leading by Example: Decarbonizing and Minimizing Environmental Impacts of State Government, which was issued by Governor Baker in April of 2021 and directs efforts to reduce gas emissions in Massachusetts facilities. The bond bill proposes $400 million in energy efficiency initiatives at facilities statewide.

An additional $1.8 million in DCAMM authorization is proposed to meet new facilities’ needs and mitigate future risks. This includes an increased focus on incorporating lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic related to the physical space and layout of facilities.

The bill also proposes $185 million in authorization for the Executive Office of Technology Services and Services (EOTSS) to support a variety of cybersecurity, IT infrastructure, and application modernizations initiatives. This includes projects that would modernize the Unemployment Insurance (UI) Online system and build out an integrated eligibility and enrollment system to streamline the benefits application process across multiple state agencies. $50 million is proposed to improve virtual and physical security infrastructure at the Trial Courts facilities, including intrusion detection and video monitoring. Further public safety investments include $60 million for equipment for fire services, corrections, and communications towers, and $100 million for the replacement of approximately 300 Massachusetts State Police vehicles per year, half of which will be hybrid vehicles.

“This $5 billion bond bill reflects the Baker-Polito Administration’s dual commitment to supporting the Commonwealth’s assets and making sustainable, fiscally responsible capital investments,” said Secretary of Administration and Finance Michael J. Heffernan. “The projects proposed are key to maintaining core government operations and will keep the state moving forward, and we are looking forward to working with the Legislature to pass this bill into law.”

The bill seeks to support Massachusetts’ communities by authorizing $496 million for established and successful grant and community programs that have a track record of providing valuable resources for workforce development, economic development, housing, and more to communities across the state. This includes the Workforce Skills Capital Grants Program, the Community Compact IT Grants Program, the Cultural Facilities Fund, the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, the Housing Stabilization Fund and the Housing Choice Capital Grants Program.

In June 2021, the Baker-Polito Administration finalized its Capital Investment Plan for Fiscal Years 2022-2026, and the authorizations in this bond bill would support investments and initiatives in the upcoming annual update to the Capital Investment Plan, which will include capital spending for Fiscal Years 2023-2027.

Highlights of the bond bill include:

$185 million for various cybersecurity and IT infrastructure initiatives, including:

• $100 million for cybersecurity investments and to support existing large business applications modernization projects
• $50 million for virtual and physical security infrastructure at the Trial Courts facilities, such as intrusion detection, duress, physical screening, access control, video monitoring, and communications
• $35 million to upgrade Lottery gaming systems, decommission end-of-life equipment, and address cybersecurity vulnerabilities

$160 million for public safety investments, including:

• $100 million for the replacement of approximately 300+ vehicles per year, half of which will be hybrid

• $60 million for public safety equipment for fire services, corrections, state police & parole vehicles, and communications towers

• $100 million to continue support for the Workforce Skills capital grants program, which provides grants to high schools, community colleges, training programs, and non-profit organizations to purchase equipment that will help expand access to career technical education programs

• $100 million for municipal grants to support a broad range of local infrastructure improvements and projects

• $64 million to support the Massachusetts State Revolving Fund (SRF) – specifically, for the Commonwealth’s matching funds required to secure federal dollars for the Fund, which helps cities and towns in improve water supply infrastructure and drinking water safety

• $60 million for the Housing Stabilization Fund, which provides funding for municipalities, non-profit, for-profit developers and local housing authorities in support of affordable rental housing production and rehabilitation

• $51 million for the continuation of the Food Security program, which improves food security for the people of the Commonwealth through grants aimed at enhancing access to and production of local food for the next two years at current funding level

• $50 million for the Cultural Facilities Fund to continue providing grants for planning, acquisition, rehabilitation and construction of cultural facilities administered through Massachusetts Cultural Council and MassDevelopment

• $30 million for the Community Compact IT competitive grant program aimed at driving innovation at the local level and available to any municipality that is part of Community Compact Cabinet Initiative

• $25 million for Housing Choice grants to municipalities that receive a Housing Choice designation through high housing production and/or demonstration of best practices

• $16 million for MassVentures START grants, which help businesses commercialize ideas that have been backed with federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) funding