Volunteer CB Radio Enthusiasts Led by Officer Paul A. Bishop Step Up to Aid Public Safety During Emergencies and Vandalism Hotspots
NORWOOD — While citizens band (CB) radio is often viewed casually as a popular hobby plagued by occasional abuse from discourteous users, a dedicated local organization in Norwood is proving its immense positive value. The Norwood Emergency Team Services (NETS)—a voluntary group established roughly four months ago at the recommendation of town selectmen—was recently commended by the board for its crucial assistance in rerouting traffic off Route 1 following a tragic July 22 four-car accident that claimed the life of an eight-year-old child. Led by Norwood Police Patrolman Paul A. Bishop, the 20- to 25-member organization was initially sparked by residents who used CB radios to assist with traffic control during a major fire last November at warehouse-type buildings leased to Line Lumber Co. and Beaver Oil Co.
Recruitment for the volunteer team involved rigorous screening to ensure reliability. Patrolman Bishop noted that applications were carefully vetted to weed out unqualified individuals, stating, “We wanted qualified personnel who were not looking for any kind of retribution… Anybody caught ‘fooling around’ with citizens band radios would be dropped from the group.” Members maintain a 24-hour monitoring schedule on designated CB channels—rotating weekly to accommodate personal work schedules—while also listening to police dispatch. When major accidents or fires occur, police contact an on-duty team member who alerts the rest of the unit. Additionally, a mobile van operated by Norwood Tire serves as a command post, and members regularly patrol schools and public buildings on Friday and Saturday nights to deter vandalism, operating on the principle that “we try to keep ahead of the kids.”
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
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