The Russell Police Department has been stepping up enforcement along the Route 20 corridor, issuing citations for illegal parking, cooking fires, and open containers. (Photo used with permission of Russell PD)
RUSSELL – This week, the Russell Police Department Sky Hawk 1 drone posted footage from its first official flight along the Westfield River. Police Chief Kevin Hennessey said the drone was donated to the department a year ago, and they have received training for its use.
The drone will be used to check the shoreline, spot fires, help find lost or injured people along the river, and to check problem areas in places where officers can’t easily get to, Hennessey said.
“It makes life a lot easier. Hopefully, we never have a serious issue in the river, but it’s there if we need it,” he added.
The drone can also spot areas with trash and illegal campfires along the shoreline. Hennessey said the department has been getting complaints from residents about people coming to the river and leaving large piles of trash behind. Due to the numerous complaints regarding littering, open fires, and underage drinking, the Russell PD has increased patrols along the banks of the Westfield River,
According to the Russell PD Facebook page, on July 12, 20 individuals were removed, and one arrested on July 13 on Motor Vehicle charges.
On July 20, the department targeted illegal parking along the Route 20 corridor, and 15 citations were issued. Officers also spot-checked areas along the river, and several individuals were moved along for open containers, and numerous cooking fires were extinguished.
Hennessey said people may park in designated parking areas along the river on Route 20 to fish, or to swim where they want at their own risk, but, he said, “Be respectful. No trash, no open containers, no fires.” He also recommended that if groups plan on spending the day and cooking, that they go to facilities that can accommodate them, such as the newly reopened Gardner State Park on Route 112 in Huntington.
Hennessey has been police chief in Russell since September of 2017. Prior to that, he served as chief in Blandford for almost 13 years. He said he’s been enjoying the move. “We’re allowed to do our job. The residents support us. The (town) government, selectmen support us.”
On Sunday, Aug. 18, Russell Police will be hosting its Family Fun Day, from noon to 6 p.m. at Strathmore Park on Route 20. Admission is free, with live music, activities for children including a bounce house, magic show and water slide. There will also be raffles, with proceed to benefit the Russell Police Association.
“Come on down,” Hennessey said.
