Police and fire chiefs report increased call volume and enforcement activity

Police and fire leaders briefed the Board of Selectmen on Nov. 18 about service levels, staffing and community programs.

Police Chief Chris Patton said the department has issued more than 4,000 citations year‑to‑date, with enforcement focused on changing driver behavior through warnings and targeted enforcement of texting, stop‑sign and speeding violations. He noted roughly 21% of citations are related to stop‑signs or signals and that the department received reaccreditation from the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission. Patton detailed winter enforcement priorities — including extra uptown patrols for intoxicated driving and traffic — and reviewed recent community efforts such as a food drive and Toys for Tots partnerships.

"We’ve issued over 4,000 citations this year, year to date," Patton said, adding the goal is to change behavior rather than to punish.

Fire Chief Tim Bailey told the board the department has handled 6,382 calls so far this year, about 150 more than last year, and described mutual‑aid activity (762 mutual‑aid exchanges, 555 received). Bailey said a staffing study has wrapped up and the department is awaiting final reports; he also recapped recent training, ladder/ambulance equipment approvals and personnel updates including a recent hire (Ryan Conan) and a new deputy chief (Jeff Campillo).

Board members thanked chiefs for the reports and asked follow‑ups on vehicle purchases and replacement schedules; Chief Patton said a fully outfitted patrol car runs about $75,000 and that three new marked cars had been delivered.

What’s next: Chiefs will return with any follow‑up information requested by the board, including details on vehicle replacements and the staffing study’s final report.