FAIRHAVEN — Chief Daniel M. Dorgan reports that enhanced safety measures implemented for this year’s Our Lady of Angels Feast have helped ensure a safe and enjoyable event for attendees throughout Labor Day weekend.
In response to concerns from past years, the Our Lady of Angels Feast Committee worked closely with the Fairhaven Police Department and the Fairhaven Select Board to develop a comprehensive security plan. The plan was designed to support a family-friendly environment, address disorderly behavior, and provide reassurance to neighbors in the vicinity of the event grounds.
The safety plan included:
- Nearly tripling the number of police officers assigned to details at the Feast, with 11 officers on during the evening hours and seven during the daytime.
- Establishing a single point of entry with bag checks, ID scanners, and metal detectors.
- Designating two controlled exit points.
- Using a wristband system for alcohol purchases.
- Proactively communicating with parents and caregivers to discourage dropping off unaccompanied youth.
- Stationing officers on side streets near the Feast grounds to prevent large groups from congregating outside the event.
As a result, police have not received complaints from neighbors about large groups of unsupervised youth in surrounding neighborhoods, an issue that had been raised in the past.
Police responded to an isolated physical altercation involving two men outside the Feast grounds as the event was letting out late Saturday night, Aug. 30, involving two adult men. One man sustained a minor injury and was transported to a hospital. A juvenile accompanying one of the adults was determined to be intoxicated and was transported to the Fairhaven Police Department, where a parent later picked him up. No arrests were made. The situation was quickly resolved and did not impact the larger event.
“The Fairhaven Police Department takes our responsibility to maintain secure and orderly community events very seriously,” said Chief Dorgan. “The Our Lady of Angels Feast is an important tradition for many local families, and we strive to keep it safe and enjoyable for everyone. I want to thank the Feast organizers, the Fairhaven Select Board, and all of our officers who helped make this happen.”
The Our Lady of Angels Feast will conclude on Monday night, Sept. 1, at midnight.
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