Firefighters Remove 'Thin Blue Line' Flags From Trucks: Patch PM

HINGHAM, MA — It's Thursday, July 30. Here's what Patch has been covering on the South Shore and across Massachusetts today.

The "Thin Blue Line" flags that have been the center of a dispute between members of the Hingham firefighters union and town officials for the past week were removed from fire apparatus Thursday morning.

Hingham Firefighters Local 2398 said its members joined with Weymouth police officers, Weymouth firefighters and other first responders and removed the flags that the union said were a tribute to late Weymouth Sgt. Michael Chesna on the two-year anniversary of his in-the-line-of-duty shooting death last week.

"We were aware of an impending order to remove the flags from the apparatus that would be given to members on duty," the union posted on its Facebook page Thursday. "We did not want to risk the chance of having these flags removed from the trucks in a disrespectful manner. The decision was made to remove the flags on our own terms to provide the highest level of respect that they deserve."

The statement said the flags were bought to Weymouth Police Headquarters "where they will continue to fly with honor."

Read more here.

Also on the South Shore

Suspect Sought In Quincy Overnight Holiday Inn Shooting: Police

A man was found with a gunshot wound to the knee when Quincy police responded to a report of gunshots at the Holiday Inn on Arlington Street early Thursday morning.

Quincy police said the 31-year-old man was found in a second floor hallway at about 3 a.m. His injuries are not expected to be life-threatening.

Quincy police released a photo from surveillance video inside the hotel of a man wanted for questioning in connection with the shooting.

Stoughton Hero: Gaby Zola Raises $8,000 To Feed Essential Workers

When times are tough, heroes emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented times. Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these everyday heroes.'

In April, Stoughton High student Gaby started a GoFundMe campaign, which asked the community to donate towards meals for essential workers. By the end of that month, she had raised more than $3,000. And as Thursday, Zola has raised almost $8,000.

"I was really surprised," Zola said. "I wasn't even expecting to make $200 ... I never expected to do anything like this in my life, and it's great being able to give back to the community."

Meal recipients included workers at Good Samaritan Hospital, the Stoughton police and fire departments, CVS Pharmacy and several other essential businesses and departments.

Braintree 'Lost A True American Hero': Kokoros On Varosso's Death

William Varosso, 94, a WWII veteran and former Braintree police officer, died last week.

Mayor Charles Kokoros said he was blessed to have a close friendship with Varosso, a man Kokoros described as a "true American hero."

"Bill sacrificed his life for god and country in WWII, receiving the Purple Heart and never complained about the physical and emotional scars he had to carry for the rest of his life," Kokoros said in a statement. "Officer Bill was a kind and compassionate police officer to all he encountered, especially the thousands of children he taught safety and respect to over the years, myself included. I was blessed to have such a close friendship with a man who was larger than life and will I miss his wisdom, with and incredible kindness."

Also

Dunkin' Plans To Close 800 U.S. Locations In 2020

The closures would represent about 8 percent of locations nationwide as the company looks to rebound from coronavirus sales declines.

5 Shootings In Worcester During Overnight Hours

Worcester police said officers were alerted to the shootings via the department's ShotSpotter gunfire detection equipment.

2 Marlborough Price Chopper Employees Positive For Coronavirus
The two employees, and others they were in contact with, are being paid while under quarantine, the company said.

MA Music Industry Perseveres Amid Coronavirus

Boston rockers Ripe and a music executive explained the grittiness it takes to survive while the coronavirus threatens the entire industry.