FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Westwood (11/18/25) – Nine Westwood residents were appointed to the new Fire Station 1 Steering Committee during the November 16 Select Board meeting.

The appointed residents include Nancy James, Sarah Cantley, Ford Spalding, Ken Aries, Jodi Petrucelli, John Cummings, Peter Bean, Harry Davis, and Paul Dullea.

Each Select Board member submitted approximately four to five names of community members who could serve on the Committee. The 14 nominees were then ranked via a point system. The Committee was originally to include seven residents, but the number of members but the Board voted to expand the membership to nine.

“We’re expecting to have a number of meetings of this group, and it would be understandable if not every member could attend every meeting. By widening the group to nine members, you’re more likely to have a room with more people in it to have this important discussion. It also helps to get a quorum a little easier,” said Interim Town Administrator Molly Fitzpatrick.

“That allows them to meet and still establish a quorum and continue to get things done, even though they may not always have everybody there. It allows things to continue moving forward,” said Select Board Chair Robert Gotti during the subsequent November 17 meeting.

Gotti said the listed individuals included a blend of genders, ages, and geographic locations within Westwood.

“It’s a very strong, very diverse group. We’re really grateful for their willingness to step forward and contribute their time and experience to such an important project,” said Fitzpatrick.

The Select Board expressed a desire to have the Committee begin meeting as quickly as possible and ensure that they have a clear set of directions. The Fire Station 1 Steering Committee will be meeting for the first time in the near future.