Sunapee Police Benevolent Association

06/09/2026

𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
Sunapee, NH

The Sunapee Police Department has received reports of recent black bear sightings in and around residential neighborhoods in Georges Mills. While seeing a bear can be surprising, black bears are a completely normal and important part of New Hampshire's wildlife and are commonly found throughout the state. Most bears are naturally shy and avoid people whenever possible.

As bears become active, especially during the spring and summer months, they may be attracted to easy food sources around homes. New Hampshire Fish & Game reminds residents that preventing access to human food is the most effective way to avoid conflicts with bears.

𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨:
- Secure garbage in a garage, shed, or other enclosed area until disposal.
- Remove bird feeders when bears are active in the area. Bird seed is a highly attractive food source for bears.
- Clean grills after use and store them when possible.
- Bring pet food indoors and avoid leaving food outside overnight.
- Keep compost piles free of meat, sweet foods, and other items that may attract wildlife.
- Never intentionally feed bears. Feeding bears is illegal in New Hampshire and can lead to dangerous human-bear conflicts.

𝐈𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐚 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐫:
- Remain calm and give the bear plenty of space.
- Do not approach, feed, or attempt to interact with the animal.
- Bring pets indoors or keep them under close control and observation.
- In most cases, the bear will move on once it realizes people are nearby.

New Hampshire Fish & Game notes that maintaining a healthy bear population depends on reducing access to human food sources. A bear that finds food around homes is more likely to return and may eventually become a nuisance animal.

𝐍𝐮𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐝𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐇𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐡 & 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐛𝐲 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 (𝟔𝟎𝟑) 𝟐𝟕𝟏-𝟑𝟑𝟔𝟏.

By taking a few simple precautions, residents can help ensure that people and bears continue to safely coexist. For more information about living responsibly with black bears, visit the New Hampshire Fish & Game website by using the link in the comments below.
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06/03/2026

Sunapee Fire Department Association Announces the Passing of Retired Assistant Chief Dana Ramspott

It is with profound sadness that the Sunapee Fire Department Association announces the passing of Retired Assistant Chief Dana Ramspott following a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Dana passed away on June 2, 2026, surrounded by family and friends.

Retired Assistant Chief Ramspott dedicated 41 years, 1 month, and 17 days of faithful service to the Town of Sunapee and the Sunapee Fire Department before retiring on August 31, 2025. Throughout his distinguished career, Dana rose through the ranks and served as a respected leader within the department. He helped guide the Sunapee Fire Department through numerous administrative changes and played a vital role in mentoring and training generations of firefighters and emergency responders.

Dana’s commitment to the fire service, his leadership, and his dedication to the community left a lasting impact on the department. Many of the members he helped train and mentor are now rising through the ranks themselves, continuing the legacy of service and professionalism that he exemplified throughout his career.

The members of the Sunapee Fire Department Association extend their deepest condolences to Dana’s family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.

Funeral services for Retired Assistant Chief Dana Ramspott will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 1:00 PM at the Sunapee Fire Station, located at 9 Sargent Road in Sunapee, New Hampshire.

All Fire, EMS, and Law Enforcement personnel who knew or worked with Dana are encouraged to attend. The requested attire for public safety personnel is Class A Uniforms or equivalent dress uniform attire. Members of the public are also welcome to attend and pay their respects.

For over four decades, Dana answered the call to serve his community. His contributions to the Sunapee Fire Department and the Town of Sunapee will never be forgotten.

Rest easy, Chief. Your watch is complete.

06/02/2026

Get your banner today! First 50 banners ordered will be hung on utility poles in town!

Don't miss your opportunity to support the town of Sunapees celebration of America's 250th with the purchase of a banner! The banners first 50 banners sold will be hung on the utility poles along main street and Route 103 until November.

https://www.friendsofsunapeerec.org/banners/p/250th-banner-1

05/23/2026

Don't miss your opportunity to support the town of Sunapees celebration of America's 250th with the purchase of a banner! The banners first 50 banners sold will be hung on the utility poles along main street and Route 103 until November.

https://www.friendsofsunapeerec.org/banners/p/250th-banner-1

05/23/2026

𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜 𝐀𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐭 - Sunapee Harbor
River Road Closure on May 24th for Poker Fun Run 5K
9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
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The Sunapee Police Department would like to advise residents and visitors that portions of River Road in the Sunapee Harbor area will be temporarily closed on Sunday, May 24th, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. to accommodate the 5K Sunapee Harbor Poker Fun Run.

Motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes during this time and to follow all posted detours and directions from public safety personnel.

Drivers should also use extra caution in the area due to increased pedestrian traffic associated with the event.

We appreciate the public’s patience and cooperation as we work to ensure a safe and successful community event.
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Sunapee Fire Department

05/22/2026

𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜 𝐀𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐭
Traffic Calming Pop-Up Coming to Downtown Sunapee
𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟑𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟖𝐭𝐡

The Town of Sunapee, in partnership with the Upper Valley Lake Sunapee Regional Planning Commission (UVLSRPC) and Forward Sunapee, will host a temporary “Traffic Calming Pop-Up” along Route 11 near Lower Main Street from Sunday, May 31 through Monday, June 8. The project will test a temporary roadway redesign to calm traffic, improve pedestrian safety, and create a more inviting, walkable environment.

During the demonstration, roadway changes will include re-striped and protected crosswalks, median traffic posts, delineated parking, temporary markings for potential parking and public-use space, and flowers and other placemaking elements. These are intended to slow traffic at the NH 11/Lower Main Street intersection, provide clearer visual cues for drivers, and convert some roadway space into community space.

The pop-up is a short-term demonstration only and not a final design. Any future permanent improvements would require full engineering design, review, and approval by the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT). This type of demonstration helps the community visualize potential changes, discuss traffic safety needs, and gather information on how design elements affect speeds and safety for all users.

Community members are encouraged to drive, walk, and bike through the area during the pop-up and share feedback on the temporary changes. Volunteers are also needed to help with setup, monitoring, and breakdown; details are available via the link in the comments or by contacting the planner below.
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For more information or to get involved, please contact:

Tim Josephson, UVLSRPC Planner
[email protected] | 603-448-1680 ext. 105
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Upper Valley Lake Sunapee Regional Planning Commission
Sunapee Fire Department
Sunapee School District
NH Department of Transportation

05/15/2026

𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐚𝐲

The Sunapee Police Department proudly joins communities across the nation in recognizing National Peace Officers Memorial Day, a solemn occasion dedicated to honoring the brave law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Observed annually on May 15th, National Peace Officers Memorial Day serves as a time of remembrance, reflection, and gratitude for the men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting others. The Sunapee Police Department especially recognizes the courage, commitment, and sacrifice of fallen officers throughout New Hampshire and across the United States of America.

The Sunapee Police Department also extends its deepest appreciation to the families of fallen officers, whose strength and sacrifice continue to inspire the law enforcement community.

𝐔𝐏𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐆
The NH Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Association will hold its 34th Annual Memorial Ceremony at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 22, 2026 at 33 North State Street in Concord, NH.

Event link: https://www.facebook.com/share/1KdVbVzZTK/

05/15/2026

𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐫 𝐉𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐩𝐡 𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐨 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐁𝐢𝐜𝐲𝐜𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐞 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥

In recognition of National Bicycle Safety Month, Officer Joseph Merullo of the Sunapee Police Department visited students at Sunapee Central Elementary School from May 11th through May 13th, 2026, to provide bicycle safety instruction during physical education classes.

The bicycle safety program was conducted in collaboration with S.C.E.S. Physical Education Teacher Bonnie Cruz. Throughout the three day-program, student participated in hands-on lessons focused on safe bicycling practices, including proper helmet use, traffic awareness, hand signals, and the rules of the road.

To make the learning experience engaging and memorable, Officer Merullo and Ms. Cruz helped organize an interactive bicycle safety course where students were able to practice the skills they learned in a safe and controlled environment.

The program aimed to help students build confidence and awareness while reinforcing the importance of making safe decisions whenever riding a bicycle.

The Sunapee Police Department appreciates the cooperation and support of Sunapee Central Elementary School staff and faculty in helping make the program a success.

As warmer weather arrives and more families enjoy outdoor activities, the Sunapee Police Department encourages all bicyclists to wear properly fitted helmets, remain alert, and follow all traffic laws and signs to help ensure a safe riding season for everyone.


Sunapee School District

05/13/2026

𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐡 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐋.𝐄.𝐀.𝐃. 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦

Fifth grade students at Sunapee Central Elementary School celebrated an important milestone this morning as they received certificates recognizing their successful completion of the Sunapee Police Department's Law Enforcement Against Drugs and Violence (L.E.A.D.) program, taught by Sergeant Nicholas Boisvert.

The L.E.A.D. program is a nationally recognized, evidence-based drug and violence prevention initiative that equips students with critical life skills designed to help them make healthy and responsible choices. Over the course of the 10-week program, students participated in interactive lessons focused on communication, conflict resolution, goal setting, resistance to peer pressure, resistance to substance abuse, fostering healthy relationships, and developing positive decision-making skills.

Sergeant Boisvert first introduced the L.E.A.D. program at Sunapee Central Elementary School in 2022 and has continued to work closely with students and school staff each year to strengthen positive relationships between the Sunapee Police Department and our community's youth.

L.E.A.D. is one of the nation's fastest-growing prevention education programs, with thousands of certified instructors serving schools and communities across the United States. In 2026, L.E.A.D. expanded its evidence-based curriculum through a partnership with Botvin LifeSkills Training, a nationally recognized prevention program backed by decades of research. Studies associated with the program have shown significant reductions in substance abuse, bullying, and violent behavior among participating students.

The Sunapee Police Department extends its sincere appreciation to Sunapee Central Elementary School for its continued partnership and commitment to supporting youth education and prevention initiatives within the community.


Sunapee School District

05/01/2026

𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜 𝐀𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐞 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧-𝐔𝐩 𝐃𝐚𝐲 - 𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟐

The Sunapee Police Department is advising motorists to use caution on Sunapee roadways this Saturday, May 2, during Project Sunapee's annual Green-Up Day.

Volunteers of all ages will be out throughout the community collecting roadside litter as part of this important community cleanup effort. Participants will be working along various Town and State roads, often on foot and near travel lanes.

Motorists are urged to:

- Slow down and remain alert when traveling through Sunapee.

- Watch for pedestrians and volunteers working close to the road.

- Follow all speed limits and traffic control measures.

- Provide extra space when passing cleanup crews.

While every effort is made to ensure volunteer safety, increased driver awareness is essential to prevent accidents and ensure a successful event.

Green-Up Day plays a vital role in maintaining the natural beauty of Sunapee, and the Sunapee Police Department appreciates the public's cooperation in keeping both volunteers and motorists safe.