The Middletown Town Council recognized Battalion Chief Brian DeFreitas as the 2024 EMS Coordinator of the Year and received updates on the school building project during its meeting Monday.
Fire Chief James Peplau praised DeFreitas for his leadership in emergency medical services, citing his efforts to improve training, equipment, and community outreach.
“I’ve not met anyone more enthusiastic about pre-hospital care than Battalion Chief Brian DeFreitas,” Peplau said. “Brian’s great passion for EMS drives his pursuit of excellence throughout the chain of survival and beyond.”
The council presented DeFreitas with a citation, a commemorative tile, and a clock in recognition of his achievement.
Town Administrator Shawn Brown provided an update on the school building project, reporting that it remains on time and on budget. The project includes a new middle-high school complex and a consolidated elementary school.
“Ribbon cutting is still scheduled for September of 2027,” Brown said. “Our next milestone is completion of the construction documents at a 60% level.”
Brown noted that hazardous material testing has been completed at all schools, with minor asbestos found in isolated areas. The project team is finalizing design submissions to the Rhode Island Department of Education.
Residents of Bliss Mine Road petitioned the council for traffic calming measures, citing concerns about speeding vehicles and pedestrian safety.
Phil Tobin, a resident, said, “It’s very dangerous on our street. We moved there 39 years ago. It was quiet, peaceful. Now you can’t take your trash out. You got to stop and look. You might not make it.”
The council referred the petition to the Middletown Police Department for review and recommendation.
In other business, the council:
- Approved applications for liquor licenses and victual house licenses for the 2024-2025 licensing year.
- Authorized a $75 ad in the Community Baptist Church’s 50th anniversary souvenir booklet.
- Received budget adjustments for fiscal year 2024 from Finance Director Mark Tanguay.
The next council meeting is scheduled for Oct. 7.
