Fire Chief Barry calls the state Civil Service system chaotic during a high-stakes local governance debate.
The Great 1981 Ambulance Fee Debate-June 1, 1981
The End of the "Free Ride" In the spring of 1981, Massachusetts municipalities were collectively holding their breath. The landmark tax-limiting measure known as Proposition 2½ had just passed the … Continue reading The Great 1981 Ambulance Fee Debate-June 1, 1981
Norwood Fire Chief Seeks Equal Commendations and Rewards-July 23, 1980
Request Follows Hazardous Chemical Leak On July 22, 1980, Norwood Fire Chief Thomas J. Barry addressed the Board of Selectmen to advocate for formal commendations and paid time off for … Continue reading Norwood Fire Chief Seeks Equal Commendations and Rewards-July 23, 1980
High-Stakes Chemical Scare on Pleasant Street-This Day in Norwood History-June 27, 1980
Firefighters race to Pleasant Street as a toxic chemical cloud escapes a rail tanker, igniting fears of a major regional disaster.
FinCom Pressures Fire Chief Barry to Establish Vacation Leave Policy-August 22, 1979
Citing soaring overtime costs from the fire department's vacation-at-will practice, the Finance Commission rejected Chief Thomas J. Barry's $15,000 funding request and demanded a structured leave schedule.
Norwood Fire Department Mourns the Loss of Deputy Chief Michael G. Benedetti, 52, Following a Long Illness-August 22, 1978
Lifelong Norwood resident and Deputy Fire Chief Michael G. Benedetti has passed away at age 52 after a long illness, leaving behind a distinguished 24-year career of fearless public service.
Fire Department Labor Dispute and Election Litigation-July 5, 1978
The summer of 1978 brought unrest to Norwood, characterized by a firefighter strike against mandatory health programs and a tense court challenge over local election results.
High-Stakes Overhaul for the Historical Village Inn-This Day in Norwood History-June 28, 1978
A 1978 town hall showdown unloads a $100,000 renovation plan for The Village Inn amidst a staggering $700,000 municipal energy deficit.
Norwood Politics, School Battles & Election Recounts-This Day in Norwood History-June 27, 1978
A 1978 political firestorm hits Norwood as a tight selectman recount unseals ballots, school budgets trigger a massive lawsuit, and an assessor candidate alleges age bias.
Acting Fire Chief Warns Town Meeting of Impending Court Mandates Over Shift Understaffing-June 17, 1978
A contentious town meeting vote rejecting eight new firefighters setup a fiscal standoff at Town Hall.