Corporate Vision Holliston is a true community with high volunteerism, community involvement, an on-call fire department, and active service and citizen organizations which attest to the sense of community that distinguishes the town. Its spirit is rooted in collaboration, proactive planning, and a shared commitment to safety and wellbeing. Holliston Fire Department, using Student Awareness of Fire Education (S.A.F.E.), grants funds from the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, and teaches key fire safety behaviors to students in Pre-K through Grade 12. This includes both school-based presentations, open houses, story time at the Holliston Public Library, and community events such as Touch-A-Truck and the Holiday Stroll. Fire chief, Michael R. Cassidy (EMT) has an award-winning series on Holliston Hub – HCAT – the local public access cable station. In recent years, Story Time with Chief Cassidy has been recognized by the Alliance for Community Media – Northeast Region, The Communicator Awards, The Davey Awards, and The Telly Awards. Meanwhile, the police department has two school resource officers (SROs): one assigned to the high school, and one assigned to the middle and elementary schools. The SROs serve as positive role models for students, fostering positive relationships and promoting respect for law enforcement. Every summer, the police host multiple sessions of a week-long Junior Police Academy for middle school students. Activities include group projects, challenges, and leadership opportunities. The structured environment of the program teaches students about discipline, respect for authority, and responsibility, which are valuable life skills. The police department partners with two neighboring departments in sharing a mental health clinician, for their co-response jail diversion program. Individuals experiencing mental health crises receive immediate access to appropriate treatment and support services, rather than waiting for the overloaded criminal justice system to respond. Additionally, the town’s department of youth and family services is the recipient of a Drug-Free Communities (DFC) grant, providing resources to strengthen the infrastructure among local partners to create and sustain a reduction in local youth substance use. Through the Holliston Drug & Alcohol Awareness Coalition (HDAAC), multiple sectors of the community are engaged to employ a variety of strategies to address substance use. Through the leadership and vision of the Select Board, Holliston has adopted a comprehensive approach to safer streets and travel for all users of all ages and abilities. The town has implemented programs such as the Complete Streets state funding program to provide safety and accessibility for all users of Holliston’s roadways, sidewalks, trails, and transit systems. Safety zones have been designated around parks, playgrounds, schools, and childcare centers, too. The town adopted legislation which allowed the municipality to reduce the speed limit on town-owned roads in business districts or thickly settled areas. The senior center has several programs in support of its elderly, promoting their independence and wellbeing. Using federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, it partnered with Habitat Holliston is a New England town in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, in the Greater Boston area. It’s known for its quaint town center, which includes antique shops, boutiques, Carnegie Public Library, its town hall, and white-steepled churches. Holliston is the only town in Middlesex County that borders both Norfolk and Worcester counties. Best Community Risk Reduction Service 2024 - East Coast USA for Humanity MetroWest / Greater Worcester in overseeing a minor home repair program. Partnering with the fire department, state Senior SAFE funds are used to install smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, and grab bars, to reduce the risk of fire and falls for older adults. Combined, these efforts demonstrate an unwavering commitment to safety, fostering a sense of wellbeing and community pride, where residents enjoy a vibrant and healthy lifestyle. Company: Town of Holliston Website: https://hollistonfire.com
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