Photos from MPD, MFD, and MA state police. Click on an image for a larger view.
Here is a roundup of stories about yesterday’s protest on the southeast expressway from local news outlets. Milton Fire and Police were both assisted in addressing the situation. WBUR has an interesting set of photos here.
- State police: Some I-93 protesters were wearing adult diapers – Boston Herald
And following is an account of the event from the Milton Police Dept’s Facebook page (you can “like” them on Facebook here. And “like” the Milton Fire Department here.)
Today’s dayshift began with a unique but unannounced protest in East Milton. As the news has posted, a box truck heading NB on Rte. 93 just north of Exit 9 (Dolan Funeral Home), suddenly stopped. Multiple individuals deployed large 55 gallon drums filled with concrete. They were placed onto the highway.
The protesters locked themselves to each other inside of these barrels , gridlocking all lanes to Boston. Simultaneously, protesters supporting them began to appear up on the Boulevard St. overpass. Anyone who commutes this route daily, understands the gridlock that this created. We embrace the 1st amendment fully and our officers were very patient and amenable to those present over the next two and one half hours. Truth be told, this was a very dangerous and reckless act that could have easily cost someone their life. The officers working today did a wonderful job managing the thousands of cars that were diverted onto our streets. Bad weather and ice only complicated the issue further. Nearly twenty Milton officers and supervisors responded to designated traffic posts and chokepoints to prevent total gridlock of our entire community.
The Chief wishes to thank all of the personnel who responded, as well as 911 Communication Staff working. Special thanks to the Quincy Police Department and Canton Police who sent officers for mutual aid.
Clearing the lanes below took a massive effort that involved the Mass State Police, Fallon EMS, MFD, and BFD’s Technical Rescue Unit , also, MassDot staff.
Finally, thanks to our residents who despite being gridlocked in traffic for a prolonged period, had many supportive comments and words of thanks to our officers. Anyone who ever doubts that law enforcement does not value the “sanctity of human life, all life, ” need look no further than the massive effort to protect all human life that took place this morning in East Milton.