Southbridge Council Confirms Two Firefighters, One Police Officer in Unanimous Votes

Select Board · Meeting of February 26, 2026

Southbridge Town Council unanimously confirmed two firefighter-EMTs and a police officer while tenants of White Paper Strategies-managed buildings demanded enforcement action at the February 26 meeting. The council voted 9-0 to appoint Chandler Harkins of Smithfield, Rhode Island, and Devin Hanlon of Charlton to the fire department, and Nicole Patterson, a seven-year Sturbridge officer and Army Reserve medic with a master's degree in criminal justice, as a permanent full-time police officer. Before the votes, 27-year fire department veteran Steven Matthews told the council he is filing for early retirement, warning that his departure will leave the department "short five budgeted positions." Residents of 301 Main Street and 27 Henry Street described mold, cross-wiring, mouse infestation, and nonfunctional security systems, with tenant Kristen Resigu reading from a February 17 health department correction order she said omitted violations inspectors had verbally confirmed on site.

The council also approved a $6,000 stipend for HR Director Noor El-Gadary's seven-week stint as acting town manager and a $9,900 contract with the Abrahams Group LLC for an enterprise fund cost methodology review.

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Source: the Select Board meeting of February 26, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.