Posted: Oct 13, 2023 / 08:00 AM EDT
Updated: Oct 13, 2023 / 08:04 AM EDT
by: John Doe
GREENFIELD, Mass. – The Greenfield police headquarters is currently experiencing a power outage this Friday morning.
The Greenfield Police Department has reported that the power outage at their headquarters on 321 High Street is due to an equipment changeover. This situation is affecting the police station’s operations and the dispatch center. While business lines and computers may be impacted, the 911 emergency service remains operational.
To manage the situation, dispatch operations have been temporarily moved to a vehicle until power is restored. The outage is a result of switching from a temporary generator to a permanent one. Authorities expect the power to be back by 10 a.m.
The Division of Power has created an outage map to improve communication with customers during power outages. The map provides useful information such as service territory boundaries, the location and cause of the outage, the number of customers affected, and the estimated restoration time. If you are in a known outage area, the Division of Power is working quickly to restore service, and there is no need to call to report the outage. However, if you are experiencing an outage not shown on the map, please call (614) 645-7627 to report it.
In other news, thousands of utility customers across Massachusetts lost power Thursday morning due to a storm that brought powerful winds, rain, sleet, and snow to the region. The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency reported more than 9,000 customers without electricity statewide, with significant outages in western and central Massachusetts.
The heavy wet snow and strong gusty winds brought down trees and branches, leading to power outages. Despite the snow, most people did not encounter too many issues. Christopher Judge said, “Not really because it’s above freezing today for the most part. I mean they closed schools and everything but for the most part I’m used to this. I’ve lived here all my life, it’s New England I’m used to the weather.”
Kathy Shiers added, “The commute was very difficult this morning. I had to go to Springfield for work and I had to drive through the Monson hills and it was very difficult but we got there, went slow it was fine.”
The heavy snow reduced visibility, but with temperatures at or above freezing and the stronger April sun angle, it had trouble sticking to the roads most of the day. The good news is that the snow has come to an end and conditions continue to improve.
In another event, an earthquake was confirmed in New Jersey that could be felt in Massachusetts on Friday morning. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, a 4.8 magnitude earthquake at 10:23 a.m. was centered around the northwestern area of Lebanon, New Jersey. USGS reports indicate that more than 42 million people in the Northeast might have felt the quake.
Tremors lasting for several seconds were felt over 200 miles away near the Massachusetts-New Hampshire border. 22News received hundreds of reports of people feeling the earth shake in Massachusetts.
The Athol, Orange, and Greenfield police are advising residents that it is not necessary to call 911 to report the earthquake as they are aware. Westfield Mayor Mike McCabe stated that there are no local damage reports at this time.
The building shook at 22News on Broadcast Center in Chicopee for several seconds and then again for another several seconds which felt shorter than the first.
The City of Greenfield accepts employment applications on a continuous basis for Police Officers (Academy Enrolled/Graduates), Lateral Police Officers, Reserve Police Officers, and Out-of-State Police Officers who have enrolled/completed the P.O.S.T. Re-qualification requirements. Current opportunities include positions for Recruit Police Officer, Police Officer, Lateral Police Officer, Out-of-State Lateral Police Officer, and Reserve Police Officer.
To obtain additional information about employment in the Greenfield Police Department, contact Leo Guzman. You can also access job descriptions, job applications, and the personal history statement (PDF).
The City of Greenfield also accepts employment applications for School Crossing Guards from qualified applicants on a continuous basis. If you are interested in joining the team of professional Crossing Guards, fill out an application (PDF).
Stay tuned for more updates on the power outage at the Greenfield police headquarters.
