FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, June 23, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 603-471-3154
Email: john@jgpr.net

Cape Ann Regional Response Team Participates in Topsfield Public Safety Day

ROCKPORT– Commanding Officer Lt. Mark Schmink is pleased to announce that the Cape Ann Regional Response Team (CARRT) participated in Topsfield Public Safety Day last weekend.

On Saturday, June 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., members of the response team set up equipment and vehicles at the Topsfield Fairgrounds to provide demonstrations, interact with the public and answer questions.

Throughout the day, children had the opportunity to climb inside CARRT’s armored vehicle, mobile command center, ambulance and K-9 vehicle. Attendees could also touch and try on a variety of items on display, including vests, shields, helmets, goggles, gas masks and more.

Officer Joe Archambault demonstrated how he and his partner K-9 Kato apprehend suspects, and Lt. Schmink and Officer Dan Mahoney deployed the team’s military grade drone, showcasing its ability to ascend 1,000 feet into the air in one second.

Also in attendance at the event was Sgt. Mark McCoy, Sgt. Paul Francis, Officer Ryan Davis, Officer Aaron Woodworth, Officer Howard Lewis, Officer Brian Murphy, Officer Corbin Keating, Firefighter Bob Cavender and Firefighter Jon Happel.

For the final demonstration of the day, CARRT illustrated how distraction devices are utilized. The team deployed three flashbangs — a non-lethal explosive device used to temporarily disorient a suspect’s senses — to show the range in sound and strength.

“We always enjoy attending events like Topsfield Public Safety Day because it gives us the opportunity to interact with our community members and showcase the functionality of the Cape Ann Regional Response Team,” Lt. Schmink said. “Members had a great time educating attendees on the different components and roles of our team.”

About CARRT:

The Cape Ann Regional Response Team first formed in 2001 in response to the attacks on Sept. 11 and Columbine High School. Composed of 22 officers and firefighters from Rockport, Manchester, Essex, Topsfield and Ipswich, the team provides valuable manpower and resources to Cape Ann in the event of high risk and dangerous situations.

Since its inception, CARRT has assisted with search and rescue operations, high risk search and arrest warrants, barricaded suspects, hostage situations and acts of terrorism.

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