EASTHAMPTON — Since Robert Alberti was appointed as the city’s chief of police last month, he’s embracing a fairly new approach to sharing information with the community — social media.
Using Facebook and Twitter, the police announce parking bans, reminders on city ordinances, promotions in the department and safety tips for issues regarding icy weather, which includes a video from Fire Chief David Mottor.
In a special post to Facebook this week, the department used the online platform to wish the community a safe and happy holiday.
“In an effort to make sure everyone has a happy holiday we invited someone from the Naughty List in for a chat,” the post said as police in the video gather to talk to the “Grinch,” making sure he agrees to behave so all the residents of Easthampton can have a great Christmas.
While the department has spread holiday cheer, the community has given back to police officials this month.
The Williston Northampton School donated a new 14-foot inflatable Defender boat to the police and fire departments for water rescue, replacing the decades-old aluminum boat which was unsuitable for rescues.
The Kiwanis Club of Easthampton donated Narcan, a nasal spray emergency treatment for opioid overdoses, to the police department. All officers are now trained and certified with each officer carrying Narcan at all times.
And just 11 days after the donation, Officer Andrew Beaulieu and Officer Kyle Gribi were able to save a life.
“Last night Officer Beaulieu and Officer Gribi were dispatched to a resident overdosing on drugs,” the post states. “We are happy to report that thanks to the donation by Kiwanis Club of Easthampton, Inc., Officer Beaulieu quickly administered Narcan to the victim and they are expected to make a full recovery.”
Along with many other police departments in the state, Easthampton police received a grant from the Highway Safety Division of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to increase the number of patrols monitoring impaired driving over the holidays.
“Drivers who will be out celebrating this holiday season should plan a sober ride home before they go out,” the post states.
Caitlin Ashworth can be reached at cashworth@gazettenet.com.