Norton Police Officers, Dispatcher Honored As 'Hometown Heroes'

NORTON, MA — Two Norton police officers and a dispatcher who helped an elderly resident in need were honored with Extended Stay's "Hometown Heroes" awards.

Norton officers Sean Worrall and Kevin Schleicher, along with dispatcher Mandi Goodwin, helped a longtime resident with health issues locate and pay for an extended-stay hotel when the officers found the man, who had no family in the area, in a home in disrepair on a wellness check.

Worrall and Schleicher found the resident, who has lived in the town for more than 50 years and is a recent cancer survivor, living in a home with some basic utilities not working two week ago.

When the resident said he had no close family to stay with, Dispatcher Goodwin and Worrall arranged to split the cost of two rooms at a local extended-stay hotel until arrangements could be made for more permanent housing.

Norton police said the manager of the extended-stay helped with a favorable rate, which Goodwin and Worrall will be reimbursed for through the union. Goodwin also arranged for some food items for the resident, while Worrall arranged for long-term housing.

Those who would like to help with senior citizen care in the town are can do so by making a donation to Norton's Human Services' drop box at the rear of the Senior Center on West Main Street addressed to St. Vincent DePaul, attn. Norton Resident in need; or with a donation to the non-profit It Takes a Community, at ITAC, 48 Harvey Street, Norton, MA 02766.