Honoring Rockport Firefighter Senior Lieutenant. Kris Juncker Jr.

The #Rockport Board of Selectmen formally recognized and honored the public service and the life of Rockport Firefighter Kris Juncker Jr. Kris passed away at the age of 38 from a lung disease. Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante joined me in presenting a framed Senate Order adjourning in Kris’ memory to his family.

The order:
Senator Tarr moves that when the Senate adjourns today, it does so in memory of Kris Juncker Jr.. Kris joined the Rockport Fire department as a volunteer firefighter at the age of 18. For 20 years, Kris worked as an integral member of the Sandy Bay Engine Company within the Department. In 2013, Kris was promoted to the rank of Senior Lieutenant.

Kris’ passion was working with children. For twelve years Kris was an indispensable part of Rockport Elementary School’s fire safety programs, including a three-year period as the program’s supervisor. Despite his health problems, Kris always returned to assignments at the fire department when possible. As a testament to Kris’ stature in the community, the fire department organized multiple fundraisers and benefits to help cover his medical bills. At every turn, Rockport’s citizens described Kris as both an indispensable mentor and a model citizen. Kris is survived by his father Kris Sr., his mother Ann, and wife Jessica.

Excessive Heat and Humidity Friday through Sunday

Situation: The National Weather Service is forecasting excessive heat Friday through Sunday. Hot temperatures combined with high humidity levels are expected to create oppressive conditions. The very worst of the heat will occur Saturday and Sunday.

High temperatures are forecast to be in the 90s to lower 100s, and dew points in the low to mid 70s. Heat index values are expected to reach the mid to upper 90s Friday, 100 to 110 Saturday, and 97 to 105 Sunday, with the highest values occurring on Saturday in eastern Massachusetts and parts of the Connecticut River valley. Graphics provided below.

Take extra precautions, if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water.

NEVER leave children or pets unattended in vehicles. This hot weather will make car interiors reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.

Celebration in honor of North Andover's Joyce Bradshaw

Joyce Bradshaw developed a reputation as a wonderful town clerk and public servant. Through her time as clerk she has successfully manged more than 70 elections and executed her duties form 41 Town Meetings. By all accounts her retirement, which begins tomorrow, is very well-earned.

Honoring Rockport Firefighter Senior Lieutenant. Kris Junker Jr.

The Rockport Board of Selectmen formally recognized and honored the public service and the life of Rockport Firefighter Kris Junker Jr. Kris passed away at the age of 38 from a lung disease. Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante joined me in presenting a framed Senate Order adjourning in Kris’ memory to his family.

The order:
Senator Tarr moves that when the Senate adjourns today, it does so in memory of Kris Juncker Jr.. Kris joined the Rockport Fire department as a volunteer firefighter at the age of 18. For 20 years, Kris worked as an integral member of the Sandy Bay Engine Company within the Department. In 2013, Kris was promoted to the rank of Senior Lieutenant.

Kris’ passion was working with children. For twelve years Kris was an indispensable part of Rockport Elementary School’s fire safety programs, including a three-year period as the program’s supervisor. Despite his health problems, Kris always returned to assignments at the fire department when possible. As a testament to Kris’ stature in the community, the fire department organized multiple fundraisers and benefits to help cover his medical bills. At every turn, Rockport’s citizens described Kris as both an indispensable mentor and a model citizen. Kris is survived by his father Kris Sr. and wife Jessica.

Omnia Relinqvit Servare Rempvblicam

The Latin phase inscribed over the Shaw Memorial - "He forsook all to preserve the public weal."

Tomorrow, July 18, marks the Commonwealth's official remembrance of Augustus Saint-Gaudens' bronze sculpture which memorializes Colonel Robert Gould Shaw and the men of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment - the first Civil War regiment of African Americans. The memorial, located between Boston Common and the State House, is regarded as one of the greatest American sculptures.

The 54th Massachusetts Regiment began recruiting its members in February 1863. Among the first to enlist - the sons of abolitionists Frederick Douglass. Governor John Andrew, who was first to respond to President Lincoln's call for troops, appointed Robert Gould Shaw, the son of Boston abolitionists, to command.

The courage of the 54th became legendary, Members both black and white successfully protested to equalize wages for the races, they fought in several vital battles, and they led the charge against Fort Wagner on July 18th, 1863 - the day Shaw and many of his men were killed in action.

The memorial sits on the very location where the regiment, under the eye of Governor Andrew, began its march to war. I welcome you to see the sculpture and the other significant markers, memorials, statues, paintings and artifacts on Beacon Hill that illustrate the important role that Massachusetts has always held throughout our nation's history.

Northeast Coastal Coalition Regional Dredge Public Meeting

At the Northeast Coastal Coalition's public meeting we discussed the preliminary findings of a report that Cape Ann lawmakers commissioned from the Woods Hole Group, an international environmental services organization. We want to assess the feasibility of a regional collaborative among North Shore communities to maintain navigable depths in places such channels and mooring areas in an environmentally sound manner.

Representative Lenny Mirra and I secured budget funds to examine long-term strategies, permitting, best practices, and cost effectiveness for dredging options. Peter Phippen, Coastal Coordinator at the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission is administering the state grant and the study project. The study project is being addressed by the Coalition’s Subcommittee Chaired by Representative Mirra, with Representative Brad Hill, Representative James Kelcourse, Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante, and State Senator Diana DiZoglio assisting.

Adam Finkle and Katie Lavallee of Woods Hole Group led the presentation and findings. The Coalition has attracted the participation of representatives and non-profit organizations from North Shore communities from Cape Ann to the New Hampshire state border.

Honoring Former Senate President Richard Furbush

I was delighted to introduce members of former Senate President Richard Furbush's family at our Senate session today. President Furbush was the penultimate Republican to preside over the Massachusetts State Senate serving in the position from 1951 to 1957. Today marked the 29th anniversary of his death.

Visiting today were his son, Rick Furbush, Kathy Furbush, Rick's wife, Sandy Reader their daughter, Maddy Reader-granddaughter. And friends Jim and Lee Johnson.