Marshfield DPW Workers Honored for Heroic Actions in House Fire

Select Board Approves Updated Cannabis Agreement with South Shore Buds

MARSHFIELD, MA - November 18 - Two Marshfield Department of Public Works employees were recognized Monday for their heroic actions during a recent house fire. Dominic Chiano and Christopher Vincente, both water department workers, were honored by the Marshfield Select Board for their quick response and selfless efforts to ensure no one was trapped inside the burning building.

The incident occurred on Nov. 13 at 64 Sheridan Drive. Chiano and Vincente were working on a nearby water project when they noticed smoke and flames. Without hesitation, they rushed to the fully engulfed house and kicked in the door to check for occupants.

"Both men showed great courage by putting others ahead of themselves," said Acting Fire Chief Michael Laselva in a commendation read at the meeting. "Knowing how dangerous the situation was and not completely sure there was not someone still inside, both acted selflessly without hesitation."

The two employees suffered smoke inhalation and were treated at the scene by Marshfield paramedics. Town Administrator Michael Maresco praised their actions, saying, "It's really a tribute to the character of these two employees that we have. They would put their self on the line."

Select Board Chair Lynne Fidler echoed the sentiment, stating, "We are so grateful that we had no loss of life but the family is out of a house and damaged some surrounding homes as well."

The fire, described as "horrific" by officials, caused significant damage to the home and affected neighboring properties. Multiple fire departments from surrounding communities responded to assist Marshfield Fire Department in controlling the blaze.

In other business, the Select Board approved an updated host community agreement with Frozen Four Corporation, doing business as South Shore Buds. The cannabis company operates at 985 Plain Street as a marijuana product manufacturer, retailer, and delivery operator.

Town Administrator Maresco explained that the new agreement was necessary due to changes in Cannabis Control Commission regulations. He informed the board that the CCC updated the model HCA to provide more uniform local regulations and “they required all of the operational marijuana establishments to go back to the cities and towns and have a new HCA adopted," Maresco said.

The updated agreement will last for approximately eight years. It replaces the original host community agreement signed on July 17, 2019.

Board member Steve Darcy noted that the agreement had been thoroughly reviewed. "Town council went back and forth with their council a few different times, which is why we passed last week," Darcy said. "It's been combed over pretty thoroughly, and we really haven't had any issues. Several years they've been here so far, so I don't see any issues."

The board also addressed several other items, including:

- Approving a contract with PGB Engineering LLC for $53,000 to design and permit improvements to the Ridge Road boat ramp.

- Waiving electrical permit fees for renovations at the fire station headquarters.

- Accepting a $250 donation to the Council on Aging in memory of Stephen A. Rhodes.

- Approving a one-day entertainment license for the Wicked Women Makers Market Holiday Craft Fair at the Marshfield Fairgrounds on Nov. 30.

The meeting concluded with reminders about upcoming events, including a joint Select Board and Advisory Board hearing on Nov. 19 at the Marshfield High School auditorium and a special town meeting scheduled for Dec. 16.