Latest news with #FallRiver
Yahoo
a day ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Fall River election 2025: Who's running for mayor, council and school board?
FALL RIVER — Candidates submitted their nomination papers and certified signatures to qualify for the 2025 municipal election this past week on July 19. The upcoming mayoral, City Council, and School Committee races have no shortage of newcomers and returning challengers — many who have dabbled in politics or boast a notable presence online. Incumbent Mayor Paul Coogan is seeking his fourth term as the city's top executive. He has been mayor since being first elected in 2019. Previously, he served on the School Committee. Running against Coogan are Gabriel "Boomer" Amaral, Carlos Cesar, Christopher Silvia and Michael J. Vandal. 2025 election takes shape: Who's running for political office in Fall River so far? Who is running for Fall River mayor? In January, Cesar, the former president of the Flint Neighborhood Association, announced on Facebook that his campaign will revolve around securing funding for city schools, making Fall River an affordable place to live, and supporting public safety. Amaral took to Facebook as well to announce a run for mayor, where his budding campaign insists that he is the only candidate in the mayoral race pledging to decrease the budget 'without putting the taxpayers and the first responders at risk.' Amaral previous ran unsuccessfully for City Council in 2019 and 2023 and mounted a campaign for state representative in 2024 to replace Paul Schmid. This month, Silvia, the owner of Christopher's cafe on South Main Street, pursued a campaign and joined the race with weeks to spare, stating in a July 21 Facebook post that he would be embarking on a 'yet another journey … to do the right thing for our city and its people.' City Council race sees all incumbents in the running, plus five new challengers All incumbent City Councilors are running for re-election: Shawn Cadime, Joseph Camara, Michelle Dionne, Paul Hart, Bradford Kilby, Linda Pereira, Cliff Ponte, Andrew Raposo and Ricky Tith. Silvia's spouse, Nathan Silvia, has entered the running for a seat on the City Council. In addition to Nathan Silvia, Michael G. Canuel, Jonathan D. Lima, Louis Alves Melim and Christopher Michael Peckham are running to score a seat on the council. Peckham will renew his bid for a seat on the City Council since he last ran in 2021. On several social media platforms, he promised action on rising taxes and fees, and to be 'the unwavering voice for change.' Canuel more recently urged current councilors to hold the Coogan administration accountable when it comes to abiding by the city's 2017 Home Rule Charter. In a Facebook post, Canuel recalled his 2009 run for City Council, and pledged, if elected, to be a councilor 'who makes data-driven decisions, asks tough questions, and never forgets who's paying the bill.' Laura Pacheco announced a run to claim a seat on the City Council early this year, and on a Facebook page dedicated to her burgeoning campaign, said she was collecting signatures at eateries around the city as recently as June 10. However, her name is not included in the roster of nominees shared with The Herald News by the city's Office of Elections as of the July 19 deadline. School Committee: three incumbents running, with the promise of new faces Thomas Khoury, Kevin Aguiar and Collin Dias are the only three Fall River Public School Committee members who are seeking to renew their terms. Randy Scott Dudek, Marc Nathaniel Mollicone, John Sylvia, Ana Cristina Riley, Emanuel Moniz, Shelley Joy Stewart and Shiv Thakur will seek a seat on the School Committee. Current School Committee members Bobby Bailey, Mimi Larrivee and Shelli Pereira are not among those running. Thakur, a real estate agent, is the only newcomer who has embarked on a social media campaign to date, championing access to 'quality education, support, and opportunity' for every member of the Fall River community. 'My goal is to listen, uplift, and work together to build a stronger future for all,' he wrote in a July 9 Facebook post. What's the next deadline for nominees? July 19 was the certification deadline for candidates listed to submit the requisite number of signatures to qualify for the preliminary and municipal election ballot. Certified candidates will receive back their cover letter and nomination papers, signed by the chief elections official, Ryan Lyons. Candidates must file their papers with the City Clerk by Saturday, Aug. 2, at 5 p.m. All papers will be placed on file with each candidates' election records. The following Monday, Aug. 4, is reserved as the deadline for any candidate to withdraw from the election, or to make an objection to a nomination. When is the preliminary election in Fall River? On Tuesday, Sept. 16, precincts will be open for polling between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. Requests for a recount, and acceptance of write-in nominations must be filed by Sept. 22 by 5 p.m. When is the municipal election in Fall River? To vote in the November election, voters must register by Oct. 25 to vote in person, or by Oct. 28 for an absentee or a mail-in ballot. Winning candidates will be decided by election results on Tuesday, Nov. 4. Precincts will be open between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. Recount requests must be submitted by Nov. 14 at 5 p.m. This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Fall River 2025 election: Candidates for mayor, school board on ballot Solve the daily Crossword
Fox News
2 days ago
- Health
- Fox News
Two potential causes of fatal assisted-living facility fire revealed; first responder bodycam rescues go viral
Authorities said a July 13 fire that ravaged a Fall River, Massachusetts, assisted-living facility, killing 10 people and injuring more than 30 others, was an accident that may have been sparked by either a malfunctioning oxygen machine or the careless use or disposal of smoking materials. State Fire Marshal John Davin said during a news conference Tuesday the Gabriel House Assisted Living Facility fire started in a resident's room on the second floor of the building. However, when authorities investigated and conducted initial interviews, they found the fire did not appear to have been set intentionally, according to Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn. "[Authorities] found no signs that cooking, lighting, heating, electrical outlets or other appliances contributed to the ignition of this fire," Davin said. "They found no candles, incense or related items." The only items investigators found in the room that could have been related to the cause of the fire were an oxygen concentrator and numerous smoking materials in the room, according to Davin. Since the person who was in the room where the fire originated died in the blaze, authorities said the two most likely causes were a mechanical failure involving the oxygen concentrator or improper use or disposal of smoking materials. When authorities have two possible causes, the incident is ruled to have an "undetermined" cause. "Investigators believe the presence of medical oxygen played a significant role in the fire's rapid spread and the ensuing tragedy," Davin said. "Oxygen is a necessary component of any fire, and it was present in the area of origin and other locations at Gabriel House. In an oxygen-rich environment, the fire will ignite more readily, spread more rapidly and burn at higher temperatures." Home oxygen was a known factor in about 20 fire deaths and more than three dozen injuries in Massachusetts over the last 10 years, and it was a suspected factor in many others, according to the fire marshal. Incidents involving smoking materials are the leading cause of fatal fires in Massachusetts and across the nation. "Please, there's truly no safe way to smoke, but smoking is especially dangerous when home oxygen is in use," Davin cautioned. "No one should smoke around medical oxygen." Fall River Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon commended the work of first responders who appear in viral bodycam videos saving elderly residents from the home. "Over the past week, the Gabriel House victims, the survivors and their families have not left our thoughts for a single minute since last Sunday night," Bacon said during the news conference. "I can't imagine the loss they suffered or the pain they feel. What I can say is that every firefighter at the scene that night gave 100% and then gave more to preserve as many lives as they could under catastrophic conditions." Fox News Digital previously reported that five firefighters were among the more than 30 injured in the blaze. "We have a philosophy in the fire service: You risk a little to save a little, and you risk a lot to save a lot," Bacon said. "They risked everything in hopes that others might live. We mourn the lives lost and the decades of family memories that were erased as a fire, smoke and intense heat tore through Gabriel House. "I ask that you say a prayer for these families, and I also ask that you spare a thought for the first responders who are confronting their own trauma. They did a job no one should ever be asked to do, and I know they would do it again. They represented the very highest traditions of the fire service." In addition to on-duty fire crews, dozens of off-duty personnel raced to the fire to help, he said. The Fall River Police Department reported 35 officers also responded to help with evacuations. Bodycam footage showed police rushing to help, equipped with flashlights and explosive door-kicks. "Eleven officers and two sergeants exemplified professionalism, bravery, and selflessness in the face of danger," the police department wrote in a Facebook post. "The coordinated efforts of the Fall River Police Department, Fall River Fire Department, and Emergency Medical Services demonstrated the unwavering commitment of our public safety personnel to protect and serve this community."
CNN
2 days ago
- Health
- CNN
Smoking or oxygen machine issue may have caused deadly fire at Massachusetts assisted-living home
Drugs in societyFacebookTweetLink Follow The cause of a fire at a Massachusetts assisted-living facility that left 10 people dead remains undetermined for now as officials investigate whether smoking materials and an issue with a medical oxygen machine may have been factors, officials said Tuesday. The state's deadliest blaze in more than four decades has highlighted the lack of regulations governing assisted-living facilities that often care for low-income or disabled residents. The state fire marshal, Jon Davine, said the presence of medical oxygen contributed to the spread of the July 13 fire at Gabriel House in Fall River. The blaze left some residents of hanging out windows of the three-story building screaming for help. The fire in the blue-collar city in southern Massachusetts remains under investigation but authorities believe it happened unintentionally, Davine said at a news conference Tuesday. 'Please, there's truly no safe way to smoke. But smoking is especially dangerous when home oxygen is in use,' he said. Members of the local firefighter's union have said a lack of emergency personnel staffing in the city made responding to the blaze more difficult, and made the fire itself deadlier. Earlier Tuesday, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey said the state was releasing $1.2 million for Fall River to hire more emergency response personnel. She also said additional funds will be expedited for the state's municipal public safety staffing program. 'We are here today to listen to make sure that we understand what this community needs now and moving forward in the wake of this tragedy,' Healey said. Healey said last week that a state agency that ensures regulatory compliance at assisted-living residences will investigate all 273 such facilities in Massachusetts to make sure they are prepared to protect residents during emergencies. She said Tuesday that work has begun. The district attorney's office identified the 10th victim as Halina Lawler, 70, on Monday. The victims of the fire ranged in age from 61 to 86. A resident of Gabriel House filed a lawsuit Monday alleging the facility was not properly managed, staffed or maintained, that residency rules were not enforced 'and emergency response procedures were not put in place.' Trapped in his room during the fire, Steven Oldrid was in an 'already compromised physical condition' when he suffered smoke inhalation and lost consciousness, according to the complaint filed in Bristol County Superior Court. As a result, Oldrid says he has increased mobility restrictions and has racked up medical bills for treatment. George K. Regan Jr., a spokesperson for the facility owned by Dennis Etzkorn, did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment on the lawsuit. A phone message was also left with Oldrid's attorney. Public injury law firm Morgan & Morgan also said last week it was hired to investigate the fire by the family of one of the residents killed at Gabriel House. Morgan & Morgan Communications Manager Emily Walsh said the law firm had already begun looking into whether the facility was adequately staffed and provided proper training to staff, as well as any potential code violations and possible failures of fire safety equipment. Etzkorn has said he is cooperating with investigations into the fire. Gabriel House issued a statement Monday emphasizing the importance of finding out 'exactly what caused this catastrophe, and if there were factors that made it worse.' The statement said the facility placed a premium on residents' safety. 'Maintaining compliance with all safety and building codes has always been our priority, and there were quarterly inspections of the fire suppression system – the latest as recently as five days prior to the fire,' said the facility's spokesperson.
New York Times
2 days ago
- Health
- New York Times
Oxygen Machine Played Role in Fire That Killed 10 in Massachusetts, Officials Say
A fire that killed 10 people at an assisted living center in Fall River, Mass., this month began in a resident's second-floor room, where investigators found an oxygen machine and 'smoking materials,' officials said Tuesday. The presence of medical oxygen 'played a significant role' in the rapid start and spread of the fire on July 13 at the facility, Gabriel House, Jon Davine, the Massachusetts state fire marshal, said at a news conference. 'Smoking is especially dangerous when home oxygen is in use,' Mr. Davine said. 'No one should smoke around medical oxygen.' Officials said the fire was accidental. Thomas M. Quinn III, the district attorney for Bristol County, said that a preliminary examination of the scene and initial interviews, as well as additional evidence gathered in the last week, show that 'the fire did not appear to be set intentionally.' Investigators determined the fire began in a resident's room on the left side of the facility's second floor, Mr. Davine said. There were no signs that the fire was caused by cooking, lighting, heating, electrical outlets or appliances in the room, or by candles or incense, he said. But investigators found an oxygen concentrator — a medical device that filters oxygen from the air — and 'numerous smoking materials,' in the room, Mr. Davine said. An electrical or mechanical failure involving the oxygen concentrator, or the improper use or disposal of smoking materials, were identified as the two possible causes of the fire, Mr. Davine said. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
CNN
2 days ago
- Health
- CNN
Smoking or oxygen machine issue may have caused deadly fire at Massachusetts assisted-living home
The cause of a fire at a Massachusetts assisted-living facility that left 10 people dead remains undetermined for now as officials investigate whether smoking materials and an issue with a medical oxygen machine may have been factors, officials said Tuesday. The state's deadliest blaze in more than four decades has highlighted the lack of regulations governing assisted-living facilities that often care for low-income or disabled residents. The state fire marshal, Jon Davine, said the presence of medical oxygen contributed to the spread of the July 13 fire at Gabriel House in Fall River. The blaze left some residents of hanging out windows of the three-story building screaming for help. The fire in the blue-collar city in southern Massachusetts remains under investigation but authorities believe it happened unintentionally, Davine said at a news conference Tuesday. 'Please, there's truly no safe way to smoke. But smoking is especially dangerous when home oxygen is in use,' he said. Members of the local firefighter's union have said a lack of emergency personnel staffing in the city made responding to the blaze more difficult, and made the fire itself deadlier. Earlier Tuesday, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey said the state was releasing $1.2 million for Fall River to hire more emergency response personnel. She also said additional funds will be expedited for the state's municipal public safety staffing program. 'We are here today to listen to make sure that we understand what this community needs now and moving forward in the wake of this tragedy,' Healey said. Healey said last week that a state agency that ensures regulatory compliance at assisted-living residences will investigate all 273 such facilities in Massachusetts to make sure they are prepared to protect residents during emergencies. She said Tuesday that work has begun. The district attorney's office identified the 10th victim as Halina Lawler, 70, on Monday. The victims of the fire ranged in age from 61 to 86. A resident of Gabriel House filed a lawsuit Monday alleging the facility was not properly managed, staffed or maintained, that residency rules were not enforced 'and emergency response procedures were not put in place.' Trapped in his room during the fire, Steven Oldrid was in an 'already compromised physical condition' when he suffered smoke inhalation and lost consciousness, according to the complaint filed in Bristol County Superior Court. As a result, Oldrid says he has increased mobility restrictions and has racked up medical bills for treatment. George K. Regan Jr., a spokesperson for the facility owned by Dennis Etzkorn, did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment on the lawsuit. A phone message was also left with Oldrid's attorney. Public injury law firm Morgan & Morgan also said last week it was hired to investigate the fire by the family of one of the residents killed at Gabriel House. Morgan & Morgan Communications Manager Emily Walsh said the law firm had already begun looking into whether the facility was adequately staffed and provided proper training to staff, as well as any potential code violations and possible failures of fire safety equipment. Etzkorn has said he is cooperating with investigations into the fire. Gabriel House issued a statement Monday emphasizing the importance of finding out 'exactly what caused this catastrophe, and if there were factors that made it worse.' The statement said the facility placed a premium on residents' safety. 'Maintaining compliance with all safety and building codes has always been our priority, and there were quarterly inspections of the fire suppression system – the latest as recently as five days prior to the fire,' said the facility's spokesperson.
