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Vol. 2, No. 39
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Friday, September 29, 2017
Police to host Citizens Academy starting Oct. 18 Peabody Veteran recognized deal of first-hand knowledge of ucate the public and hopefully By Christopher Roberson for service with Honor Flight how the department operates stem the tide of negativity to-
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or the fifth time, the Peabody Police Department will be hosting its Citizens Academy program, giving residents an in-depth look at what happens beyond the front desk at PPD. “We hope and expect that participants will graduate from the Citizens Academy with a newfound appreciation for what we as police officers do,” said Capt. Scott Richards, who leads the academy. “Participants will finish with a good
– it will be a real eye opener.” Richards said he initially learned about the Citizens Academy when he was a patrol officer in Groveland. It was also mentioned during an executive leadership summit that he attended two years ago at Fitchburg State College. “I t was the consensus amongst those in attendance, given the anti-police climate and the misconceptions of the police, that a Citizens Academy may be a viable way to ed-
ward the police,” said Richards. “Since I had some past experience with the program I felt that I could bring the idea back to the Peabody Police and initiate a Citizens Academy here.” He said the original plan was to have one session each year. However, the response from residents was such that two sessions have been required. Some of the topics that will be covered include domes-
POLICE | SEE PAGE 12
Fire department promotes two lieutenants
Ken Hopkins Sr., 88, of Peabody arrives at Logan Airport to board Sunday’s Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. A member of the U.S. Air Force, Hopkins is a Veteran of WWII, Korea and Vietnam. See more photos inside on page 2.
~ Candidate Profile ~
Longtime school board member makes City Council bid By Christopher Roberson
A
The City of Peabody swore-in two new fire lieutenants last Thursday, September 21 at a city hall ceremony. The new lieutenants, John Hinchion (second from left) and Brian L’Italien (second from right), are shown with Fire Chief Steven Pasdon (left) and Mayor Edward shortly after the ceremony. (Advocate photo by Christopher Roberson)
Meet the Peabody Youth Hockey Squirt AA2 Team
Pictured bottom row, from left to right, are; Kevin Shiner, Logan Whitehouse, Brandon Speziale, Mathew Scopa, and Tom Ordway. Shown second row, same order: Sean Norden, Dimitri Efstathopoulos, Nathan Palhares, Eleni Spack, Yasmine Giacalone, and Joseph Tavilla, Shown top row, same order, are; coaches Mark Speziale, Kevin Shiner, Rob Ordway, and Jay Scopa. (Advocate photo)
fter eight years on the School Committee, Thomas Rossignoll decided it was time for a change of scenery, and he is now running for councillor-at-large. “I have decided to run for councillor-a-large because I am committed to Peabody; I care deeply for my city and I want to see it prosper,” he said. “My commitment to my city is long-standing and unwavering.” During his time on the School Committee, Rossignoll has been a party to the district-wide implementation of the math and technology curriculum, the installation and expansion of the Fred Berry Health Center at Peabody Veterans Memorial High School, the Simon Youth Foundation Learning Academy at the North Shore Mall and the new Higgins Middle School. “I have had the pleasure of helping guide our school district and improve the educational system for all our students,” said Rossignoll. “As I have grown and my understanding of the city has expanded, I know I want help improve the quality of life for all citizens and look forward to bringing that citywide experience to the council. I never have a hidden agenda and will always fight for the city’s best interest.”
Thomas Rossignoll
Rossignoll served as the School Committee’s vice chairman on two occasions and has sat on numerous subcommittees. “Being on the school board for eight years, I understand the budget process and what it takes to make tough decisions,” he said. “I will take the same approach with the city budget.” In addition, Rossignoll said, he has gained valuable insight from his work as an in-home physical therapist. “Providing home care I have compassion, understanding and appreciation … for some amazing people going through some really tough times,” he said. “I understand the needs of our senior citizens, how even a little tax increase can affect someone, also how services to our seniors are vital.”
ROSSIGNOLL | SEE PAGE 13