City of Newburyport

Office of Emergency Management

 

In loving Memory

IN MEMORIAM
As in any station in life, each of us have met, served with, broke bread with, and considered
them friends & comrades. In civil defense, no exceptions are made to forget those individuals,
while serving, have passed away. The agency, in this section, pays special honor to the following
individuals, who, while on active service in civil defense died.

 

 

Ralph York

Ralph York became a member in Jan. 2000 and was dedicated to his communications position at the EOC. Ralph introduced us to the packet communications system and all it can do in an wide spread emergency. Ralph has made considerable contributions to improving our organization.

Ralph was the person responsible for securing the Support Services Vehicle we are using today. Ralph lost a battle with a Flu related sickness Feb. 2008.
 

 

 

Paul Cole

Paul Cole, dedicated and energetic even with his handicap he was at more events and details than most members.
Paul started with the Civil Defense with Warren Simmons and was part of the rescue squad for about 8 years and then went out to start his own business. Paul returned in April 1990 and remained a loyal and dedicated member with Ralph Ayers donating such things as uniform shirts, communications equipment, nameplates for vehicles and much much more until he lost his fight with cancer in Feb. 2005.


 

 

Franklin Eaton

Frank distinguished himself in many ways, but
especially by having the longest active service to the agency, covering a period of over 49 years as a member, an officer and a associate. Director Frank was an integral part of the creation of civil
defense, Serving in many capacities in the emergency operation center, in drills, Accidents, storms, and any calls requesting civil defense assistance. Frank's badge and call number was retired upon his death in 1991.

 

 

Harry Avakian

A personal lifelong friend, Harry's role, as a
pilot, and owner of his private plane, served as the reconnaissance officer, offering airborne surveillance in fires, floods, and other
needs, when called. Harry also was the liaison between the North shore air patrol when their services were required. Harry's badge and call number was retired upon his and his wife's death in
a tragic plane accident.

James "Jimmy" Koulouras

"Jimmy", as all knew and served
with him, was one of those members involved in all aspects of civil defense duties, willing to offer a helping hand in all emergencies.
"Jimmy" died in 1971 as a result of drowning in the Merrimac River. His presence is still evident, as the rifles used by the civil defense color guard were donated in "Jimmy's memory.
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Stillman "Buddy"' Brown

"Buddy", as we all knew him, was an active member responding to a fire at plum island, when he accidentally fell from the civil defense rescue truck and was killed. "Buddy", a youngster at the time, was a part of civil defense history when the agency's rescue squad was a prominent response team for all incidents. "Buddy" is one of several members of civil defense in Massachusetts who gave their lives helping others.