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Concord officials outline security posture and list of invited dignitaries for Concord 250 events
Summary
Officials said federal, state and international dignitaries will attend and that the town expects roughly 1,200 law enforcement personnel staged for April 19; organizers said they are preparing for possible protests and public-safety contingencies.
Town of Concord organizers and police briefed business owners and residents on public-safety planning for the April 19 Concord 250 events, including a list of invited dignitaries and the scale of law-enforcement resources being staged.
"We have confirmation from Congresswoman Laurie Trahan will be here. We, understand that the governor of the Commonwealth, Maura Healey, will be present. We believe Lieutenant Governor Driscoll will be present," Gary Clayton, co-chair of the Concord 250 Executive Committee, said while listing invited officials. He also named international and military representatives expected to participate.
Captain Brian Goldman described the security posture for the day and the town's preparations to handle demonstrations and crowd incidents. "We've got probably close to 1,200 law enforcement personnel, most of which will be staged around this event," Goldman said, describing a mix of overt and less-visible resources. He said personnel will be available to respond to protests, major weather events or any other incidents that require evacuation or emergency response.
The organizers named several dignitaries expected to participate in ceremonies: Congresswoman Laurie Trahan, Governor Maura Healey, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, the British consul general for New England and the Japanese consul general in Boston. Military representatives include General Stephen Nordhaus of the National Guard bureau and Massachusetts Adjutant General Gary Keefe; parade marshal duties are to be performed by a decorated veteran identified in the meeting.
Officials said the North Bridge will be a visible staging point for ceremonial activities and also a likely location for any organized demonstrations; organizers said they have plans to manage protesters and counter-protesters while maintaining access for residents and credentialed vehicles in restricted areas.
The meeting emphasized that the town cannot disclose all operational details but said it had layered plans and mutual-aid agreements in place. Captain Goldman described a combination of visible officers and personnel embedded in crowds to "pull 9 1 1 resources our way," and said event staffing will include volunteers and first-aid teams coordinated with Emerson Hospital.
