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"Berkshire County Triad Picnic reflects growth of senior safety efforts"
By Bob McDonough, Berkshire County Sheriff’s Office
When more than
150 seniors from throughout Berkshire County turned out for the Fourth Annual
Berkshire County Triad Picnic July 21 in Hinsdale, it reflected the continuing
growth of the area’s senior safety effort.
Thanks to the
efforts of Sheriff Carmen C. Massimiano, Jr., District Attorney David F.
Capeless, local police departments, senior service agencies and the seniors
themselves, the burgeoning Triad program continues to address crime prevention
and safety issues
being faced by
our growing senior population. It also helps open a better line of communication
between seniors and public safety agencies.
Triad, which
four years ago was active in only one Berkshire community, now has organized
chapters in Dalton, Hinsdale (which also includes members from the Town of
Washington), North Adams, Williamstown and West Stockbridge. Steps are already
being taken to expand the program into Clarksburg, Windsor and Richmond.
Generally, the
Triad groups meet monthly, where representatives from the Sheriff’s office,
District Attorney’s office, the local police
departments and Councils on Aging meet with seniors to discuss issues and
programs centered on senior safety. Among the programs that have been initiated
are the: distribution of “File of Life” medical information cards; “Yellow Dot”
program to help emergency responders find critical medical information inside
your vehicle; initiation of town bylaws requiring visible building numbers, to
help speed the response of emergency personnel; distribution of emergency
beacons, flashing lights, which also help speed the response of emergency
personnel; initiation of the “Are You OK?” daily phone reassurance calls, which
have resulted in four senior rescues in Williamstown; child identification
program, where Triad seniors learn fingerprinting techniques and then visit
local schools to fingerprint and photograph children for identification
booklets; and the annual Triad picnic, which features senior safety
presentations from organizations ranging from Elder Services of Berkshire
County to the VNA, AARP and Red Cross, all of whom offer important senior
safety and health information.
With America’s senior population on the rise, and elder abuse hitting record levels both statewide and nationally, Triad continues to be an effective method for seniors to feel safer – and better informed – in their own homes.
“The
tremendous value of the Triad program cannot be underestimated, both in its
safety benefit to the elderly and also the improved communication between the
elderly and law enforcement personnel,” said Massimiano, a strong proponent of
Triad. “I would encourage other Berkshire County communities to join in this
growing and worthwhile endeavor.”
For information regarding Triad, contact Bob McDonough, Public Information Officer, Berkshire County Sheriff’s Office, 413-443-7220, ext. 1027 or robert.mcdonough@sdb.state.ma.us.