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Northampton Citizens Express Fear, Anger, and Insecurity in Wake of Fires
by Paul Shoul | Dec 30, 2009 10:32 am | Comments (2)
Posted to: Police and Fire
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Photos copyright Paul Shoul; reporter Jendi Reiter contributed to this story.
Naomi Cairns of 10 Highland Avenue, who had lost her Hawley Street home to fire in 2007: “I came home to find my house on fire for the second time.”
Ward Three Neighborhood Association President Gerry Budgar, who has served as a rock of stability for hundreds of citizens throughout the crisis, speaks with Owen Freeman-Daniels, who is a member of the organization’s board of directors. “I’ve barely slept,” said Budgar. “I’ve received hundreds and hundreds of emails and phone calls, and have answered every one.”
“Ward Three is literally on the other side of the tracks,” said Jonathan Brody, who lives on Williams Street, to Northampton Mayor Clare Higgins. “The city seems more reactive than proactive when it comes to this longstanding problem. We’ve had fires in Ward Three for three to five years. Why does someone have to die before the city thinks the problem is big enough to address?”
Charlie Hubbard, a retired New York City fireman, warned that the multi-agency task force will need a strong leader to prevent turf wars and inefficiency. Police Captain Joseph Koncas responded that Assistant District Attorney Michael Cahillane is in charge of the investigation. Hubbard was impressed by the professionalism of our firefighters; he listened to the dispatch recording on YouTube.
Delores Mishon, who lost her uncle, Paul Yeskie, and her cousin, Paul Yeskie Jr, to the fire that consumed 17 Fair Street, spoke. “My mother’s maiden name is Yeskie,” she said.
Tags: northampton-fires
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posted by: media on December 30, 2009 10:14pm
Nice photos, however I’m not sure you have all the facts right in the captions. I don’t believe it was announced at the meeting that Michael Cahillane would be handling the investigation. He may be handling it, but it was not announced then. Also, Delores Mishon did not say, “My maiden name is Yeskie.” She said, “My mother’s maiden name was Yeskie.”
posted by: Val Nelson on December 30, 2009 7:34pm
Paul,
Nice job covering this event in photos and powerful captions. You have captured some of the most touching moments for me. Thank you. I’m sending the link to people who couldn’t attend.
I feel especially touched by Naomi, the top photo, who lost her home twice. How do you ever recover from that? I lost mine to a fire once. Believe me, that’s enough.