Athol Police Department

08/31/2026

☀️🚌 FIRST DAY BACK TO SCHOOL! 🚌☀️

Good morning, Athol! As students and families head back to school today, we’re reminding everyone to slow down, stay alert, and watch for school buses and children.

⚠️ A little extra caution this morning: The bright solar glare can make it difficult to see, especially when driving directly toward the sun. Take your time, leave extra following distance, and be prepared for children and buses that may be difficult to see.

🚌 Remember:
• Stop when a school bus has its red lights flashing and stop sign extended.
• Watch carefully for children getting on or off buses and crossing the road.
• Avoid distractions and keep your eyes on the roadway.
• Give yourself a few extra minutes this morning, school traffic may be heavier than usual.

Let’s all do our part to make sure everyone gets to school and work safely!

Welcome back, students! Have a great first day! 📚✏️💙

08/28/2026

RIP K9 Lucy💙

The member’s of the Petersham Police Department extend our deepest condolences to Ret. Corporal Bob Legare as his partner K-9 Lucy was laid to rest earlier today.

K-9 Lucy served with Cpl. Legare for many years responding to missions and public education events across Massachusetts, the pair worked as members of the Northeast Houndsmen.

On a moments notice K-9 Lucy was ready to respond in a wide variety of call-outs, including but not limited to missing person searches & fugitive tracks just to name a few.

K-9 Lucy, we thank you for your service.

08/26/2026

REMINDER: PLEASE DO NOT PLACE NEEDLES IN OUR DRUG DROP BOX

The Athol Police Department would like to remind residents that the drug drop box located inside our station lobby is for the safe disposal of unwanted prescription medications, NOT needles or other sharps.

This includes needles associated with GLP-1 medications, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound, Trulicity, and etc. These needles must NOT be placed in the drug drop box.

💊 Prescription medications: YES
💉 Needles, syringes & other sharps: NO

♻️ WHERE CAN YOU DISPOSE OF USED NEEDLES?

The Town of Athol has a publicly accessible sharps container located at the Athol Transfer Station, where residents can safely dispose of used needles, syringes, and other sharps.

📍 Athol Transfer Station
1010 West Royalston Road
Athol, MA

The sharps container is available during regular Transfer Station hours:

🗓️ Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday: 8:00 AM–3:00 PM
🗓️ Wednesday: 8:00 AM–4:30 PM

Please remember that keeping needles and other sharps out of the police department's prescription drug drop box helps protect the safety of our officers and staff who are responsible for handling and emptying the box. The drug drop box is not designed or intended to contain needles, and finding sharps mixed in with the medications creates an unnecessary safety hazard.

Please use the designated sharps container at the Athol Transfer Station for all used needles, syringes, and other sharps.

Thank you for helping us keep our officers, staff, and community safe!
— Athol Police Department

08/25/2026

🚨 SCAM ALERT – FRAUDULENT TEXT MESSAGES 🚨

The Athol Police Department is warning residents about fraudulent text messages currently circulating that are disguised as messages from a police officer. These texts may claim that you owe money for a parking ticket, speeding ticket, or other traffic violation and provide a link to make a payment.

⚠️ Please be aware: You will NEVER receive a text message from a police officer requesting payment for a ticket.

If you receive one of these messages:

❌ DO NOT click the link
❌ DO NOT reply to the message
❌ DO NOT provide any personal or financial information
✅ Simply delete the message

If you have questions about whether you actually have an outstanding ticket or violation, contact the appropriate police department or court directly using a verified phone number.

Please share this information with family and friends to help prevent others from falling victim to this scam.

When in doubt, don’t click it! 🚔

08/24/2026

📚 ONE WEEK UNTIL BACK TO SCHOOL! 🚍

The Athol-Royalston Regional School District returns to school just ONE week from today!

As we get ready for the start of another school year, please begin planning your daily commute and allow for some extra travel time as school buses return to our roadways.

🚍 Please remember to:
• Watch for school buses and children at bus stops.
• Allow extra time for your commute.
• Be patient and drive cautiously in school zones.

Let’s work together to make sure our students, families, and school staff have a safe start to the new school year! 💙

08/18/2026

08/18/2026

The Athol Police Department is now utilizing the online application process for LTC/FID applications.

Paper applications are still available ONLY when applicants are unable to complete the process online. *Exceptions may apply.*

To apply online, please visit:
https://gunportal.mass.gov/mircsUnifiedPortal/

08/07/2026

🚨 WE’RE HIRING! 🚨

The Athol Police Department is currently accepting applications for a full-time patrol officer position!

💰 UP TO A $10,000 SIGN-ON BONUS! 💰

We are offering a sign-on bonus of up to $10,000 for certified full-time police officers or Bridge Academy-trained candidates with at least one year of law enforcement experience.

📩 To apply, please email a cover letter and resume to Chief Mousseau at [email protected].

07/27/2026

🚧 Road Closure Notice 🚧

Please be advised that Pleasant Street will be closed between Kelton Street and Barrett Avenue from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, tomorrow July 28, 2026.

Detours will be in place to help direct traffic. If possible, please use alternate routes and plan ahead to avoid delays.

We appreciate your patience and cooperation while this work is being completed. Thank you for helping keep everyone safe!

07/22/2026

We are hiring!! To apply, email a cover letter and resume to Chief Mousseau at [email protected]