Air Raid Test Best Yet, All Traffic At Complete Standstill-This Day in Norwood History-June 15, 1954

A coordinated Civil Defense drill brings Norwood to a complete halt in under two minutes, showcasing the town’s readiness and regional cooperation. =========================================================

Norwood’s participation in yesterday’s continental Civil Defense exercise demonstrated how effective preparation, a trained core of Civil Defense personnel, and an alert, cooperative public could be in managing both foot and motor‑vehicle traffic. The drill unfolded on a busy morning, yet within two minutes the streets were cleared and nearly deserted, creating an unusual and striking scene for those who witnessed it.

George T. Mahoney, Director of the Office of Civil Defense for Norwood, expressed strong approval of the test and commended the town officials and Civil Defense members whose efforts contributed to its success. Norwood worked in coordination with the adjoining towns along the Boston‑Providence highway—Dedham, Westwood, and Walpole—achieving what was described as the most complete motor‑vehicle traffic control to date.

Support from Wiggins Airways, through its manager Ralph E. Hynes, provided Norwood with two aircraft used to observe and photograph the results of the test. Aerial observations made by police officer Valentine Balutis were radioed to Civil Defense headquarters in the Municipal Building by M. I. Orent, while Allyn H. Fisher operated the ground‑radio equipment. Elmert R. Tay served as the aerial photographer.

The regular Norwood Police Department, under the direction of Chief Mark F. Folan, was reinforced by a large group of Civil Defense Auxiliary Police, including R. A. Baxter, J. J. Callahan, F. J. Doran, J. M. Welch, C. G. Hagman, G. W. Parrish, Alex Burnz, D. D. Maloof, J. O. Holmes, E. J. McDonough, Dick Clayton, A. E. Johnson, K. T. Gibbs, E. L. Baker, R. C. Kral, C. J. Marathas, and K. Neviackas.

The town’s whistle and siren warning system was evaluated by John R. Russell, Dr. William F. Lovell, and Fire Chief Alonzo N. Earle, who judged it only moderately effective. Civil Defense staff present for the test included Town Manager J. B. Kennedy, Engineer W. W. Thompson, Emory Forrest, Maurice Baker, Harry Howard, Patrick J. Lydon, and P. R. Kugel.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Norwood Messenger