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.
Fire Contract Talks Stall; Mediator to Step In-May 27, 1978
History repeats itself at the negotiating table. Contract talks between town officials and the Norwood Firefighters Association officially ground to a halt in May 1978, reviving a familiar public-safety deadlock. Take a look back at the quiet high-stakes standoff that sent both sides back to a state mediator.
Norwood Fire Chief Leo Coughlin Requests Eight New Firefighters and Two Deputies-August 10, 1977
Fire Chief Leo Coughlin asked Norwood selectmen for eight new firefighters and two deputies to reduce high overtime and substitution expenses.
Midday Fire at 12 Vernon Street Sends 21 Firefighters to Norwood Hospital-August 8, 1974
A fast-moving basement fire at 12 Vernon Street caused $16,000 in damage and sent 21 firefighters to Norwood Hospital for smoke inhalation and heat-related injuries.
Fire Department Salary Parity Defeated-June 11, 1971
A 70-minute quorum delay sets the stage for a tumultuous night of budget slashing at the 1971 Norwood Town Meeting, leaving town leadership reeling and firefighters without wage parity
General-Alarm Fire Destroys Junior High School in Norwood-January 23, 1971
NORWOOD JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL WAS DESTROYED BY A GENERAL ALARM FIRE LAST NIGHT (Bob Dean photo) A general-alarm fire swept through Norwood Junior High School last night, threatening to destroy … Continue reading General-Alarm Fire Destroys Junior High School in Norwood-January 23, 1971
Norwood Fire Department Takes Action to Combat Rising Surge of False Fire Alarms-August 18, 1970
Citing soaring taxpayer costs and grave risks to public safety, Deputy Fire Chief Leo Coughlin announced stepped-up police and fire efforts to combat a surge in false alarm boxes.