Hello Norton! My name is Chris and I am the newest member of the blogging team here at Norton Patch. I will be focusing on covering sports, both local and professional. I will also be mixing in some public safety stories into the blog.
With that said, I ask that you keep the family and friends of firefighter James Rice of Peabody in your thoughts and prayers as he is laid to rest this morning. FF Rice passed away last Friday while fighting a 3 alarm fire in Peabody. He leaves behind a wife and 3 children. It has been a trying month for those of us in the public safety sector as Rice was one of four firefighters whose deaths are considered to have happened in the line of duty this December. According to the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts, the statewide union, the others are Worcester firefighter Jon Davies, Sr., Methuen firefighter Robert George and Medford firefighter Randy Rideout. Recently of Norton also passed away this month after a courageous battle with cancer. Please keep the memories of these brave heroes alive and feel free to thank a public servant when you come across one in the local coffee shop or out at the grocery store, it may make their day.
Until next time, wishing everyone in Norton and beyond, a Happy and Healthy New Year.