Disciplinary Hearing Set for Embattled Firefighters
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The Westfield NewsSearch for The Westfield News Westfield350.com The WestfieldNews Serving Westfield, Southwick, and surrounding Hilltowns “TIME IS THE ONLY WEATHER CRITIC WITHOUT TONIGHT AMBITION.” Partly Cloudy. JOHN STEINBECK Low of 55. www.thewestfieldnews.com VOL. 86 NO. 151 TUESDAY, JUNE 27, 2017 75 cents $1.00 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2019 VOL. 88 NO. 281 Disciplinary hearing set for embattled firefighters By PETER CURRIER the three firefighters chose to employment of the three fire- their attorneys claimed that CaBoutin read the following mongering, from the evi- Staff Writer have a public meeting rather fighters. they had not been made aware statement on behalf of all dence. It must be understood WESTFIELD — The Fire than in executive session. Attorney John Connor, who of such a letter. three of the firefighters facing that despite the hysterical Commission has set a date for The hearing is related to an represents the firefighters The firefighter’s attorney the accusations: tone from the report from a disciplinary hearing for the investigation that took place union, claimed that there was then said that they are not “There is no justification Dawn McDonald, the fact is three city firefighters being between April 2 and June 5 of no recommendation of termi- sure what they are specifical- for noticing us for dismissal. that the evidence of that accused of tarnishing the 2018. The three collectively nation from a member of the ly being accused of, to which The proposal to terminate us report shows that Chief Egloff name of a superior officer. claimed that Fire Chief fire department’s administra- Commissioner Lee Bennett can only be based on a desire admitted to sexually assault- Fire Capt. Rebecca Boutin Patrick Egloff, who was the tion, so the commission said that they will produce a to punish us for cooperating ing a woman, a member of and firefighters Kyle deputy chief at that time, had would not have authorization charge letter detailing the with a state police investiga- the public. Then a second Miltimore and David committed two sexual to do so. specific accusations before tion. The report was clearly woman did in fact tell multi- Kennedy will meet the assaults on female members Netkovik then informed the hearing takes place. an attempt to target the three ple members of this depart- Commission in a disciplinary of the public. them that Deputy Chief Andy “This has been on the books of us instead of investigating ment that she was sexually hearing on Dec. 10 at 1 p.m. City Attorney Tim Netkovik Hart had written a recommen- for over a year sir,” said the serious allegation at issue. assaulted by Chief Egloff. at the Little River Fire Station. presented a request for the dation of termination to each Bennett, “It’s time to close It is important to distinguish The report shamefully mocks, During the Nov. 25 Special hearing and a request for fire commissioner on Nov. some books.” the report’s vicious personal Fire Commission meeting, authorization to terminate the 18. The three firefighters and During the meeting, attacks and speculative rumor See Hearing, Page 5 St. Mary’s High School has new school board By HOPE Springfield Diocese Schools School closing,” he said. “We St. Mary’s High School executive at both WWLP and E. TREMBLAY Superintendent Daniel are here, and the Diocese Board members: WGGB. She also worked Assistant Managing Editor Baillargeon to create the committed to us being its CAROL part-time at the Russell Public WESTFIELD – St. Mary’s board, which is comprised of only Diocesan high school.” Library as the Children’s High School Principal eight members, plus Collins Collins said he is excited to LUCARDI Librarian. Lucardi currently Matthew Collins is enthusias- and Baillargeon. be working on filling the has two children enrolled at tic about the new school The board met last week classrooms and securing a Carol Lucardi is a 1987 St. Mary’s schools, her son board and the future of the for the first time and is already vibrant future for the school, graduate of the University of will graduate in 2020, and her Catholic high school. moving forward on several which has been in existence Massachusetts with a degree daughter is in 4th grade. When the Roman Catholic goals, including increasing more than 100 years. in English and Education, Lucardi’s oldest son graduat- Diocese of Springfield enrollment and creating sub- “We researched who we with certification as a high ed in 2017 from St. Mary’s announced over the summer committees. wanted on the board — we school English teacher. Since and is currently a junior at that the school was now a Collins took over as princi- have a very good group of 2012, Lucardi has been work- Catholic University in Diocesan school – its only pal amidst turbulent times for people with different experi- ing as the director of Washington, D.C. Diocesan high school now the school, which nearly ence,” said Collins. “Many of Traditional and Digital Media Both Lucardi and her hus- that Pope Francis High closed its doors. Collins says them are alums or have had at Marketing Doctor, a full- band, Bill, have volunteered School is a private Catholic those days are in the past. students here in the past. They service advertising agency, extensively at St. Mary’s at located in Northampton. Prior school – a new board was part “There is no talk from the have skill sets that will help both the elementary and high St. Mary’s High School to joining Marketing Doctor, of the plan. Diocese, or within St. Mary’s STM move into the future.” Principal Matthew Collins. she worked as an account Collins worked with Parish, of St. Mary’s High See School Board, Page 4 (File photo) Regional state universities are ‘crown jewels’ of higher ed By RAMON underscores our nation’s employers and industries. tutions, but they are distinct S. TORRECILHA, infatuation with the most elite Westfield State University from flagship state universi- President of Westfield schools in the land and the is a member of the American ties. While they are not neces- State University, belief that attendance there Association of State Colleges sarily known for their and MILDRED can result in a leg up in the and Universities, an organiza- research, they are known for GARCÍA, professional world. tion made up of nearly 400 educating students for profes- President of the This fascination with elite institutions, offering high sions in demand in their com- American Association universities may obscure the quality, affordable education munities. Students tend to of State Colleges and basic facts about which insti- to millions of students. come from in-state and gener- Universities tutions are actually having the It is not that we are offering ally in fairly close proximity greatest impact on local econ- a practical education, but to campus. The recent college admis- omies. Regional public uni- rather, one with practical rel- While students (and par- sions scandal covered exten- versities like Westfield State evance. Westfield State and ents) everywhere are chal- sively in the media involved University are providing crit- its sister public state universi- lenged by the high cost of a celebrities and other affluent ical access to higher educa- ties have a direct hand in college education, students at parents using a “side door” to tion to students who have advancing social mobility these universities have even get their children admitted to historically been shut out of and strengthening the col- greater economic challenges. RAMON S. the nation’s most prestigious this opportunity. These uni- lege-going population. For many, they are the first in TORRECILHA universities. versities are also providing a Regional public universi- MILDRED Westfield State University This shameful behavior talent pipeline to local ties are publicly funded insti- See Universities, Page 5 GARCIA President City businesses set sights on Shop Small Movement By LORI SZEPELAK cials in all 50 states partici- local businesses that have “All businesses participat- to local, independent choices. Correspondnet pate. Over the years, the pro- joined forces with the ing also have been given a It’s fun and easy to play.” WESTFIELD — Area resi- motion has grown into the Westfield Chamber in support poster board size of the game Participating merchants run dents are once again asked to Shop Small Movement. of “Shop Small. board to display in their win- the gamut from restaurants join the Shop Small Movement “The Chamber recognizes For months, local business dows, sponsored by Staples,” and jewelry stores to banks, during the holiday season, and the importance of supporting owners have participated in said Phelon. gift shops and much more. in the city, a new fun and local businesses, the jobs they two Chamber committees – Phelon noted there is no Anne Woodson, whose par- unique promotion is slated provide, and the culture they game board and marketing – purchase necessary, however, ents started George’s Jewelers, Nov. 29-30. instill in local communities to bring to fruition a unique area residents must be age 18 Inc. more than 50 years ago, Small Business Saturday, and is excited about promot- promotion that will encourage monopoly board, as one print- or older to win a prize. In was among the merchants now in its 10th year, was con- ing this event,” said Kate shoppers to visit at least 10 ed years ago for a Westfield addition, there will be five who worked on the game ceived by American Express Phelon, executive director, participating merchants and Monopoly game, and we drop-off locations for shop- board committee. during the midst of the reces- Greater Westfield Chamber of have their game board stamped loved the idea so much we pers to leave their entry form.