Rapid Response

In the overnight period of Monday, September 11, 2023 and Tuesday, September 12, 2023 the various departments in Gardner are all actively assessing the situation in the community and prioritizing tasks. It is part of the coordinated Rapid Response of Gardner MA. Listen to this short statement from Mayor Nicholson on 9-11-23:

Gardner MA Is Coordinated for Rapid Response

Gardner Police, Gardner Fire, Gardner DPW, the Mayor’s Office, the School Department, and Emergency Management – all are part of a highly coordinated setup designed to offer rapid response in the event of emergencies. This proactive effort is so critical when there are unanticipated events like the Flash Flooding of September 11, 2023.

Each area has been bettered over the last few years by training and education, equipment upgrades, and infrastructure upgrades. A recent $200,000 fiber grant will assist coordination through technology. Investments have been made in the Police Department in the last decade including a new headquarters. The Fire Department is awaiting new trucks and upgraded equipment and a renovated structure has been identified as needed. While a formal salary study is still underway for Gardner in general, members of the Gardner City Council recently responded positively to a letter from DPW Director Dane Arnold documenting the need to increase the pay offered to attract badly needed staff. The School Department has been upgrading its protocols including building locks and proactively does Active Shooter Drills. The new Gardner Elementary School has specially built-in safety features. Emergency Management has been on top of ensuring Gardner has the most effective communications in the event of an emergency.