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Shrewsbury · Westborough · Northborough · Southborough · Marlborough · Hudson · Grafton
Westborough fire chief to retire after 11 years leading department By Leighah Beausoleil Assistant Editor WESTBOROUGH — After 27 years with the Westborough Fire Department, Chief Patrick Purcell will retire on Aug. 9. As the Select Board begins to determine its next steps for hiring his replacement, Purcell is urging the board to conduct an internal search. Purcell has served as the town’s chief since 2015. He has also served as the president of the Fire Chiefs Association of Massachusetts since May 2025. Under his leadership, the department established a joint public safety dispatch with the Westborough Police Department, utilized the town’s Code Red System, updated plans relating to emergency management, and worked during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Purcell also highlighted earning $20 million in grant funding. Staffing was increased from eight to 11 firefighters per shift. In the 11 years Purcell served as chief, there has only been one grievance filed in the department – one he said he completely understands and resulted in a positive outcome. “It was all team effort,” he told the board. “I have exemplary employees, and without them we wouldn’t have been able to achieve some of the successes.” He explained that his staff members have obtained a number of degrees and certifications, and there are a number of candidates who are “very well credentialed” to step forward into the chief position. Fire Chief | 16
Vol. 52 | No. 23 | June 5, 2026
Popular eatery’s second location opens
‘She won’t back down’ Shrewsbury woman shows exceptional strength after devastating incident
WEstborough | 5 Northborough parties like it’s 1776 at Colonial Faire
Northborough | 11 Southborough fire captain reflects on a life of serving community
southborough | 14
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
Patrick Purcell (Photo/Leighah Beausoleil)
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SHREWSBURY – For three agonizing weeks, Chris and Jen Zerwas sat at their daughter’s bedside, watching monitors track the condition of a young woman who could not speak, move, or respond. Their youngest daughter, Olivia, had been involved in a terrible accident, and each day brought new questions about how – or if – she’d pull through. Then, one day, Olivia raised her eyebrows. It was a small movement, but for her family, it was a sign of hope amid what they described as “every parent’s worst nightmare.” For the next several days, Olivia communicated with medical professionals by moving her eyebrows – the start of her arduous, yet inspirational, recovery. “We had a physician tell us that they didn’t know if she’d ever get out of the coma,” said Chris. “I was talking to her and she raised her eyebrows. … The doctors and nurses started communicating with her. We were jumping for joy.” After graduating from Shrewsbury High School in 2021, Olivia went to Westfield State University, later transferring to
Emmanuel College, where she finished her degree in art therapy. In 2025, she started working at Hebrew SeniorLife in Roslindale, commuting from Shrewsbury while she saved to buy her own place. She was adored by her coworkers. All was well. “She’s always liked art and helping others,” said Jen. But on January 19, 2026, Olivia’s life changed in an instant. After visiting her sister, Anna, who lives in Cambridge, Olivia, 23, walked down Erie Street to purchase a coffee for her drive back to Shrewsbury. Just before 1 p.m., Olivia was struck by a stolen car. The operator, identified as David Powell, 57, had lost control of the vehicle and plowed it into a commercial building. Olivia ended up trapped underneath the vehicle. First-responders worked quickly to extricate Olivia from the vehicle wreckage and rushed her to the hospital. A social worker at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center called the family to deliver the news. Olivia went right into surgery. Chris, away on business, took the first flight home. Olivia’s injuries were life-changing. She had suffered two broken legs, and her Liv Zerwas | 16
Who named their dog ‘Squidward’ in Grafton?
grafton | 17
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