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BPD Online 2000 Annual Report of the Belmont Police Department
The year 2000 began in relative calm despite the fears of a Y2K crisis. Although the members of the police department were prepared to deal with any potential problems, we were confident that it wouldn’t be necessary. What would be necessary
though would for us to continue to focus on the services we provide for
the community. One of our
most recent service enhancements has been the implementation of our Early
Access Defibrillator Program. With
the assistance of the Belmont Savings Bank, the East Cambridge Savings
Bank and the Watertown Savings Bank we were able to purchase 5
defibrillators. A portable
defibrillator is assigned to each patrol sector in Town so that we can
bring these lifesaving devices to victims of sudden cardiac arrest.
This I believe will complement the existing Emergency Medical
Response System and increase the likelihood of survival during these
events. We were also assisted in
this program by the Mount Auburn Hospital who provided training to all of
our police officers and members of the Public Safety Communications staff. When one considers the
number of people who die from sudden cardiac arrest each year, it becomes
quite clear that this program helps us fulfill one of our most basic
missions- the preservation of life. Another program that
allows us to focus on that basic mission is our Infant/Child Car Seat
Installation Program. With evidence that 90-95% of all car seats are
installed incorrectly it was imperative that we focus our attention on
this problem. In the year
2000, our technicians installed 690 car seats.
Due to the overwhelming response for this service we increased the
number of car seat technicians to keep up with the demand.
In addition to our safety checkpoints and scheduled installations
our technicians work with the Mount Auburn Hospital Birthing Center and
new mothers groups to stress the importance of properly installed
infant/child car seats. Although these particular
programs have created a slight diversion from our focus on traffic, we can
assure residents that we will not be distracted from the growing concerns
of traffic in the community and will work to make our community a safe
place to live. In closing, I would like
to thank the Board of Selectmen and the Town Administrator for their
support and look forward to continuing the programs we believe will make a
difference in the quality of life for Belmont’s residents. Respectfully submitted, Ronald J. Blanchette Chief of Police
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