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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In Memoriam-Louis F. Parker
LOUIS F. PARKER The townspeople were saddened on the afternoon of March 10, 1953 when they learned of the sudden death of Deputy Chief Louis F. Parker. He died in the performance of his duties. Louis F. Parker was born in Norwood October 16, 1895, appointed to the Fire Department May 16, 1926 and promoted…
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Deputy Chief Louis F. Parker Dies Directing Men at Norwood Fire-March 10, 1953
Three Others Hurt as Blaze Damages Bird & Son Plant STRICKEN AT BLAZE—Deputy Chief Louis F. Parker. NORWOOD, March 10 — Deputy Fire Chief Louis F. Parker, 56, collapsed and died while directing operations during a general alarm fire about 3 this afternoon at the Bird & Son plant here. The veteran of 25 years…
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Heavy Bail Set For Pair Captured By Police At Gunpoint In Roadside Stand-This Day in Norwood History-January 17, 1950
Two Newton men who were captured at gunpoint in Perrell’s Restaurant early Saturday morning by alert Norwood police, and a companion who drove away from the scene when the police approached and was arrested later at his home, were each held in $10,000 bail by Judge Gilbert W. Cox and their cases continued until Friday…
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Police Save Dog From Drowning After Plunge Through Ice-This Day in Norwood History-January 6, 1949
Police, Firemen Join Forces To Rescue Struggling German Shepherd At Dunn’s Near exhaustion from struggling in three feet of icy water after he plunged through thin ice while crossing Dunn’s Pond off Nahatan street, a gray and brown German shepherd dog was rescued from drowning by police and firemen on Sunday morning as dozens of…
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Police Chief Lydon Invents New Finger-Printing Machine-This Day in Norwood History-March 29, 1947
Gadget Will Be Submitted To The FBI For Inspection INVENTS FINGER-PRINTING MACHINE—Norwood Police Chief Thomas C. Lydon (right) holds finger-printing machine which he has invented and which will be turned over to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for inspection. At the left is Joseph M. Lamb, electrical engineer, who assisted in the perfection of the…
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Sgt Lydon Appointed Chief of Police Department-This Day in Norwood History-April 19, 1946
Sergeant Thomas Lydon has been appointed Chief Norwood Police Department to succeed Chief William H Sullivan, effective June 1, it was announced this morning by Manager Francis W. Smith. The appointment by the General Manager of the new chief received the unanimous approval of the Board of Selectmen last night. Sgt. Lydon, who will give…
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Norwood Votes Two-Way Police Radio for Town-This Day In Norwood History-March 27, 1941
NORWOOD, March 27 — Norwood citizens, in an 80-minute town meeting tonight at the State Armory at which not one dissenting vote was cast, passed an annual budget of $1,546,747.19. Appropriations included funds for a two-way police radio. The meeting voted to raze the 50-year-old Beacon School and to accept a gift from W. Cameron…
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Sergeant Curran Helps To Capture Slick Safecracker Hiding In Town-This Day in Norwood History-July 14, 1939
This Day in Norwood History-July 14, 1939-Sergeant Curran Helps To Capture Slick Safecracker Hiding In Town
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Police Department Schedule Revamped-This Day In Norwood History-February 4, 1939
New Assignments Given To Officers A new schedule for the Norwood Police Department became effective yesterday with the posting of new assignments for members of the force. While new assignments have not been made for some time, in the Norwood department, many departments find it good policy to rearrange the schedule from time to time.…
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38 under Arrest In Norwood Raid-This Day In Norwood History-January 20, 1939
Police Surprise Betting Spot on Dewing’s Order NORWOOD, Jan. 20- Acting on orders of Dist. Atty. Edmund R. Dewing, a detail of State Police from the Framingham and Wrentham barracks descended on this town tonight and arrested 38 persons in a raid on a betting establishment on Broadway. Dewing said the place had been under…
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