Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Date: 4/14/2020
GRANVILLE – The Granville Police Department is thinking about the children in the community who are home from school, missing their friends, and in some cases special celebrations.
Last week, they took action and are now offering first responder parades for children celebrating birthdays during the shutdown.
“With all the kids stuck at home we would like to offer something special to brighten their day. For any Granville child who has a birthday or other special day in the near future, the Granville Police and Fire Department are offering a `First Responder Parade.’ We will gather as many fire trucks, police cars and other emergency vehicles as we can and drive by your home. If you are interested or for more information, please contact Lt. Winslow at pwinslow@townofgranville.org,” wrote an invitation on their Facebook page last week.
Lt. Patrick WInslow, patrol supervisor for the force, said the notice was posted on April 7, and they had a number of interested parents the next day.
“I’ve already gotten a few emails, and I’m trying to get enough cars and Fire Department vehicles to participate,” Winslow said. “Parents are very excited about it. They’ve been trying to figure out how to celebrate birthdays without friends and family. This is something to offer the kids; lights and sirens and everything.”
The plan came together on April 11 for Addison Rescigno Bean, who was turning seven years old. At 6 p.m., three police cruisers and six fire department vehicles drove slowly by her house, with their lights flashing and sirens wailing as Addison and her family watched and waved from her porch.
Winslow said the Gran-Val Scoop, a local ice cream shop, also donated ice cream for the birthday girl.
The police department has also started posting its officers reading children’s books on their Facebook page at Granville MA Police Department.
The first video featured Winslow reading Richard Scarry’s “A Day at the Police Station.”
“Hopefully, every week we will be posting one,” Winslow said.
Winslow, who has served on the force 11 ½ years is taking the lead on the programs. He said the children have been staying at home and behaving during the shutdown.
“We may see one or two out for a walk,” he said, but added they have had no issues so far.