Massachusetts
Firework displays begin in western Massachusetts ahead of 4th of July festivities
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) – Fourth of July weekend is kicking off here in western Massachusetts in Holyoke and Chicopee, fireworks lit up the skies.
The show is winding down here in Chicopee but for many here it was the perfect way to kick off the holiday weekend.
“I’m really looking forward to the fireworks!” said Emma of Chicopee.
Fourth of July weekend kicked off on Friday with fireworks, food and fun in Chicopee and Holyoke.
Both cities held their annual Independence Day celebrations, which included firework displays.
While the show didn’t get started until nightfall, hundreds in Chicopee gathered at Szot Park early to make sure they had a good spot and enjoy the food and other vendors the area had to offer.
“We wanted to make sure he got a good spot and that we got a good spot!” expressed C.J Hastings of Chicopee.
Before the skies were lit up by the bright lights, Western Mass News spoke with some of the attendees about what brought them out.
“My wife and my kid wanted to come here, and I said ‘yeah! Let’s go!” added Hastings.
“We come every year so it’s like a tradition for us!” said Kaelyn Aponte of Chicopee.
Chicopee native Kaelyn Aponte said she and her family come back year after year just to watch the fireworks.
“There’s a variety of fireworks, the kids love them, I love them,” expressed Aponte. “It’s always different, it’s never the same show over and over again.”
While the fireworks were the main attraction in both Chicopee and Holyoke. Bouncy houses, food trucks and music attracted hundreds to Holyoke Community College even before the show started.
“They’re fun,” added Sarah Tourodille of Chicopee. “There’s a bunch of stuff for the kids to do, the people are friendly!”
Overall, many said they couldn’t think of a better way to jump start summer.
“This is our first event for the fourth of July, right? Kicking off summer right! Yes!” added Stephanie McCarthy of Chicopee.
If you missed Friday’s displays or want to catch another firework show this season, here’s a full list of firework displays, CLICK HERE.
Copyright 2023. Western Mass News (WGGB/WSHM). All rights reserved.
Massachusetts
3 inmates charged for brutal Massachusetts prison attack
Three inmates are now charged for the brutal attack at Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center earlier this month that injured five correction officers — with one stabbed 12 times and suffering a punctured lung.
“Attacks against our officers will not be tolerated and the serious charges filed against the three individuals demonstrates that the Massachusetts Department of Correction will take action,” interim DOC Commissioner Shawn Jenkins said in a statement included in the announcement.
Investigators filed criminal complaints against the inmates in Clinton District Court. Jose R. Crespo, 39; Heriberto Rivera-Negron, 36; and Jeffrey Tapia are each charged with mayhem, armed assault to murder and assault to murder. Rivera-Negron is scheduled to be arraigned on Oct. 10, Crespo on Oct. 11, and Tapia on Oct. 15.
The violence went down on Sept. 18. A surveillance video from the attack shows a correction officer walking through a common area with tables and attached chairs when an inmate leaning against a wall lashed out, either with fist or a “shiv,” a makeshift knife.
The officer recovers enough to slam the inmate to the ground but another inmate rushes in and the officer grapples with both until another officer comes to his aid. Then a third officer and a third inmate become involved. Roughly 15 seconds later, several officers join and contain the situation.
The five injured officers were treated at a hospital.
The DOC “increased resources” and added “specialized staff to the facility for the day and evening shifts” as of five days following the event, Jenkins said then.
“This type of violence is unacceptable and now those involved will be held accountable in the court of law. We have and will continue to make the safety and health of our Correctional Officers a priority and appreciate their dedication to the DOC and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,” Commissioner Jenkins wrote in his statement. “Our investigators worked tirelessly since the incident occurred to bring these charges forward.”
Originally Published:
Massachusetts
Massachusetts State Police recruit who died during training mourned at funeral,
WORCESTER – The Massachusetts State Police recruit who died after getting injured in a training exercise was laid to rest after his funeral Saturday in Worcester.
Death under investigation
Hundreds came to pay their respects and say goodbye to 25-year-old Trooper Enrique Delgado-Garcia. He died earlier this month after a boxing training exercise. Circumstances surrounding his death remain under investigation.
A State Police flyover, prayers and a presentation of the flag took place Saturday at the Mercandante Funeral Home and Chapel. A wake was held Friday. Among the mourners was Mary Hart, who had known Delgado-Garcia since high school.
“Enrique was a joy and he was the best hugger,” said Hart. “Even the first time I met him, he gave me the biggest hug.”
Dream to be state trooper
Family and friends said Delgado-Garcia’s dream was to become a state trooper and make a difference in the lives of the people in his community. After graduating high school, he obtained his bachelors degree in criminal justice at Westfield State University. He began his career as a victim’s advocate with the Worcester District Attorney’s office before being recruited by the Massachusetts State Police.
“He was here to love and to be loved,” said Hart. “He wanted to protect and serve with love and kindness.”
Dozens of recruits and State Police stood solemnly in formation during the funeral as so many are still trying to understand how his tragic death could’ve been avoided.
“It feels impossible,” said family friend Caroline Root. “It’s an incredible loss for his friends, his family but I think for our entire community.”
The family thanked the community for the outpouring of love and support and the expressions of sympathy they received. Delgado-Garcia was later laid to rest at Notre Dame Cemetery in Worcester.
Massachusetts
EEE is still a threat in Massachusetts, horse tests positive: ‘People shouldn’t let their guard down’
With October only a few days away, EEE remains a threat in the Bay State.
That’s the message from health officials after another horse in Massachusetts tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis.
Four people in the state have been infected with the rare but serious and potentially fatal disease during this busy year of mosquito-borne illnesses. A man in New Hampshire died from EEE.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health on Thursday announced a third confirmed case of EEE in a horse this year. The horse was exposed to EEE in Carver, an area in Plymouth County that’s already at high risk for EEE.
“This latest animal case of EEE confirms that even this late in the season, the risk for spread of EEE virus from infected mosquitoes is still present,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein.
“With more people going outside to enjoy the mild fall weather, we continue to recommend that residents take steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites until the first hard frost,” Goldstein added.
There have been 96 EEE-positive mosquito samples in Massachusetts this year.
Infected mosquitoes have been found in Barnstable, Bristol, Essex, Norfolk, Middlesex, Plymouth, and Worcester counties.
EEE is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. The last outbreak of EEE in Massachusetts occurred in 2019–2020, and resulted in 17 human cases with seven deaths, and nine animal cases.
There were no human or animal cases of EEE in Massachusetts in 2021, 2022, or 2023.
“Cooler temperatures will start to reduce mosquito activity, but people shouldn’t let their guard down yet,” said State Epidemiologist Catherine Brown. “We continue to strongly advise that everyone in areas at high and critical risk for EEE reschedule evening outdoor activities to avoid peak mosquito biting hours.”
DPH continues to urge people to use bug spray, and to wear long sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors.
2024 MediaNews Group, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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EEE is still a threat in Massachusetts, horse tests positive: ‘People shouldn’t let their guard down’ (2024, September 28)
retrieved 28 September 2024
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