Eagle Feathers #362 – The Chiefs

“The First Combination Chemical and Hose Reel, with Ladders, was invented by the Chief of Somerville, and exhibited Aug. 10, 1887. Humphrey (Dumps) of Engine 4, Boston, operated the Tanks. The First Fire that it performed splendid service at was in Cambridge, Box 71. The fire was in the Cambridge Poor-House.”

Once again it is time to shift gears and power down a bit as we roll out of the high-octane frenzy of summertime and into the laid-back back breezy days of autumn and on into the winter months ahead.

We all need to become a bit more aware of what lies ahead of us on the road, and to be especially alert to activities near our schools and playgrounds, as the kids are now back to their normal schedules.

By Off the Shelf Correspondent Jen Fries.

An acquaintance of mine, poet and columnist Doug Holder, recently posed a question on social media: Have you ever been a regular, and what does that mean to you?

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Holly Chatelain is a writer and editor new to the Boston area, having recently moved from Denver to Revere. She is a managing editor of Ibbetson Street Press. This poem was inspired by her cross-country drive from Denver to Boston to make the move.

Will Mbah, Ben Ewen-Campen, and Erika Uyterhoeven won their respective races in the election.

In the Massachusetts 2026 Democratic primary, key legislative races were won by Ben Ewen-Campen, Will Mbah, and Erika Uyterhoeven. Ewen-Campen secured the 27th Middlesex State Rep. seat against Olivia Gilligan-Corsetti. Will Mbah won the 34th Middlesex State Rep. seat securing his position. Uyterhoeven, a former State Rep., won in the 2nd Middlesex State Senate primary. Ewen-Campen, Mbah, and Uyterhoeven will represent their districts in the upcoming general election.
In the race for Middlesex County District Attorney, incumbent Marian Ryan faced former prosecutor David Solet, Ryan was the primary winner and will hold the office in November.

US Sen. Ed Markey has won US Senate Democratic primary for U.S. Senate over opponent  Seth Moulton.

— Photos courtesy of the Department of Fire Services

More than 1,000 first responders complete 35 courses this year

More than 1,000 police, fire and EMS professionals have completed joint active shooter response training across Massachusetts this year as the Healey-Driscoll Administration expands efforts to prepare first responders to act quickly and work together during a crisis.

The Somerville Democratic City Committee recently produced candidate debates for the 2nd Middlesex Senate, 27th Middlesex House and 34th Middlesex House districts at the Somerville High School. The Somerville Media Center, in partnership with the Somerville Dems, taped the events. Watch them here. Primary day is September 1, 2026. For more information please visit the Elections page on the City web site.