Princeton Police Department

06/23/2026

***UPDATE***

Westminster Road is now open!

A huge thank you to the dedicated crew from the Princeton Municipal Light Department (PMLD) for their outstanding work restoring the area and making it safe for everyone.

We often think about the dangers faced by police officers and firefighters, but it's easy to forget just how hazardous utility work can be. With live electrical wires burning on the ground and rain creating energized conditions, the situation was extremely dangerous. Despite those risks, the PMLD crew stepped in and did what needed to be done to protect our community.

DANGEROUS CONDITION

Dangerous electrical fire near 70 Westminster road light department and Fire department are working to make it safe please stay out of the area.

06/22/2026

On Saturday, June 20, 2026, at approximately 7:40 p.m., Princeton Police Officer Robert Sargood responded to a report of an intoxicated individual in crisis who was reportedly discharging a firearm from a residence on Hickory Drive.

Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, Officer Sargood immediately requested mutual aid. Assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and officers from West Boylston, Sterling, Westminster, and Holden Police Departments.

Through the coordinated efforts of all responding personnel, officers safely established contact with the individual and were able to resolve the incident without injury to the suspect, responding officers, or members of the public.

During the subsequent investigation, a handgun and spent shell casings were recovered from the property. Officers also checked nearby homes for evidence of bullet strikes or injuries, and fortunately none were found.

The Princeton Police Department would like to thank our mutual aid partners for their prompt response and professionalism. Their teamwork and coordinated actions helped bring a dangerous and rapidly evolving situation to a safe and peaceful conclusion.

We are grateful that no one was injured and appreciate the continued support of our community.

06/16/2026

At approximately 11:15 p.m. last night, the Wachusett Regional Emergency Communications Center (WRECC) received an open 911 call from Mirick Road with no one speaking on the line.

Officer Joseph Cecchi responded to investigate and quickly discovered that a residence was on fire. The homeowner was outside attempting to extinguish the flames, and Officer Cecchi immediately notified WRECC that the Princeton Fire Department was needed.

Although he had just completed his shift, Officer Robert Sargood immediately responded back to assist. Retired Princeton Police Chief Charles Schmohl, who was in the area, also stopped to lend a hand until additional emergency personnel arrived.

The Princeton Fire Department responded quickly and was able to bring the fire under control and fully extinguish it. Fortunately, no one was injured.

This incident highlights the importance of investigating every 911 call, even when no one is on the line. Outstanding teamwork by WRECC, the Princeton Fire Department, Officer Cecchi, Officer Sargood, retired Chief Schmohl, and everyone involved helped ensure a safe outcome for the homeowner and the community.

06/15/2026

Today, the Princeton Public Safety team had the opportunity to participate in the 2026 Thomas Prince School Field Day, and what a fantastic day it was! The students had an incredible time, and even us "adult kids" couldn't resist joining in on some of the fun.

After being postponed last Friday due to the extreme heat, today's beautiful weather made for the perfect day to safely enjoy all the activities outdoors.

A big thank you to the staff and students at Thomas Prince School for inviting us to be part of such a great event. We always enjoy spending time with our community and making memories with the next generation. We can't wait for next year!

06/12/2026

Today marked the last Friday of the school year for the students at Thomas Prince School, and with it, our final High Five Friday of the year! 🎉✋

We had an absolute blast greeting students each week and starting their Fridays with smiles, encouragement, and plenty of high fives. Thank you to the staff, students, and families at Thomas Prince School for welcoming us throughout the school year and making this program so much fun.

06/11/2026

Today marks the beginning of a significant chapter in Princeton's history as demolition of the former Princeton Center School gets underway.

For generations of Princeton residents, this building was much more than just a school. It was a place where friendships were formed, lessons were learned, memories were made, and countless community events brought people together. We recognize that this building holds a special place in the hearts of many who attended school here, worked here, or simply grew up with it as a familiar part of our town.

While it is never easy to say goodbye to a landmark with such deep roots in our community, this transition also represents an investment in Princeton's future. The site will become the home of the Town's new Public Safety Building, which will serve our residents for generations to come and provide modern facilities for the police, fire, and emergency services personnel who protect our community every day.

As we share these photos, we do so with respect for the memories created within these walls and appreciation for the role the Princeton Center School played in shaping our town. Though the building itself may be coming down, the memories and history it holds will remain an important part of Princeton's story.

05/25/2026

Today, the members of the Princeton Police Department pause to honor and remember the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. Their courage, dedication, and selflessness secured the freedoms we enjoy every day.

We also remember and stand with the families, friends, and fellow service members who carry the weight of that sacrifice each day.

As we gather with family and friends this Memorial Day weekend, we encourage everyone to take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of the holiday. Even the simple freedoms we often take for granted, including the ability to speak freely, share our thoughts, and live openly, came at a tremendous cost. Those freedoms were defended by heroes willing to give everything for our country.

From all of us at the Princeton Police Department, we thank and remember our fallen service members. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.

05/24/2026

Due to the expected inclement weather today, Princeton’s Memorial Day observances will be held primarily indoors at the First Congregational Church beginning at 1:00 PM.

At the conclusion of the indoor observance, there will be a wreath-laying ceremony, gun salute, and the playing of TAPS at the Veterans Memorial on the Lower Common, followed by a final gun salute and the playing of TAPS at Woodlawn Cemetery.

Although there will be no parade this year, we encourage all to attend these observances as we honor and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation and our freedoms.

05/18/2026

The members of the Princeton Police Department extend our heartfelt condolences to our brothers and sisters at the Sterling Fire Department on the loss of Firefighter/Paramedic Jim Emerton. Rest easy, sir — your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Today, the members of the Princeton Fire Department join our brothers and sisters at the Sterling, MA Fire Department in mourning the heartbreaking loss of Firefighter/Paramedic Jim Emerton.

We are deeply saddened to hear of Jim’s passing following his long and courageous battle with occupational cancer. His dedication to the fire service and the community he served will never be forgotten. By all accounts, Jim was the kind of firefighter and person everyone hoped to work beside.

The fire service is a family, and today that family grieves together. Our thoughts, prayers, and deepest condolences are with Jim’s family, friends, and all the members of the Sterling Fire Department during this incredibly difficult time.

Rest easy, brother. We’ll take it from here. 🖤🚒

05/16/2026

Tonight, School Resource Officer Emily Casella, along with Pack 25 Cub Scouts, hosted a great evening of bicycle safety training and fun for children in our community. 🚲👮‍♀️

The Bicycle Rodeo was a fun and interactive way to teach children the rules of the road while practicing safe bicycling skills. The event included stations and obstacle courses where children learned bicycle safety, hand signals, safe riding techniques, and how to navigate a simulated neighborhood environment right here in the Town of Princeton.

This program was made possible through the Massachusetts Safe Routes to School Program with support from MassDOT.

We are also excited that the children who participated tonight will be riding their bicycles in this year’s Princeton Memorial Day Observances Parade on Sunday, May 24th!

A big thank you to Officer Casella, Pack 25 Cub Scouts, the volunteers, parents, and all the young riders who made tonight such a success! 🚴🇺🇸