On Sunday, July 26, 2026, the Holbrook Regional Emergency Communications Center dispatched public safety personnel to a 6:55 PM report of a possible drowning at Stoddard Park. Pre-arrival instructions were provided by the emergency medical dispatcher (EMD) prior to the arrival of the first responders.

After ALS interventions by Holliston Fire Department personnel, care of the patient was transferred to the crew of UMass Memorial LifeFlight 1 at a landing zone secured by Engine 3. The patient was transported by air medical to UMass Memorial Medical Center, University Campus in Worcester.

The Millis Fire Department also responded mutual aid for a second patient at the scene, while our backup ambulance was at a concurrent medical emergency elsewhere in town. Both patients are still alive.

Mark Frank, director of the town's Parks and Recreation Department, said the beach is typically staffed with lifeguards from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Gates to the beach aren't locked after lifeguards leave, so the area remains accessible after 5 p.m., Frank said. According to the town website, when there are no lifeguards, it is "swim at your own risk." Sunday's incident occurred at 6:55 p.m.

A medical rescue helicopter transported a young child from Stoddard Park in Holliston to UMass-Memorial Medical Center in Worcester after a water-related emergency.
Holliston firefighters responded to the Stoddard Park beach on Sunday for a report of a water-related incident.

According to a press release from the Holliston Fire Department, emergency medical dispatchers provided instructions to callers prior to the arrival and firefighters took over upon arrival.

Also on Monday, Holliston Fire Chief Michael Cassidy would not confirm the age of the victim, other than to say it was a "pediatric patient" and they were conscious when they were transported via medical rescue helicopter to UMass-Memorial Center in Worcester.

The child's condition was not known on Monday afternoon.

The Millis Fire Department, at the scene as mutual aid, took a second patient to a hospital for an undisclosed reason.

Besides the beach, Stoddard Park includes a playground, picnic table and portable restrooms during the summer, according to the town website.

No further information is available at this time.

The Ashland Banner Sponsorship Program is an ongoing effort to beautify Ashland and add charm to the area. Businesses and community groups have the unique opportunity to sponsor a banner and invest in our community. The banners will be displayed on the black lampposts around town. They are double-sided and 48” tall x 18” wide and have the name of the business or group sponsoring clearly printed in the center of the banner.

The cost of one banner is $400 for the two year program. This cost includes the printing, installation, removing and storing of the banner. One year programs are not available.

To be a part of the Town of Ashland’s Banner Program please submit an application and a check made payable to the ‘Town of Ashland’ or you may pay online using https://epay.cityhallsystems.com/ - enter Ashland, MA & select Banner Sponsorship Program. Applications are due by Monday, August 3rd.

Online Application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfLYSDhbL91gZZYW8plLiUFCXmg0aY1UxiQ2TfGNHRl3IYkHA/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=100565575647130087410

1) Around Ashland Page:
https://www.facebook.com/AroundAshland
2) Bogastow Breaking Page:
https://www.facebook.com/bogastow
3) Ashland Happy Board:
https://facebook.com/groups/ashlandmass/
4) Holliston Share Your Business Group:
https://facebook.com/groups/holliston/
5) Millis & Sherborn Group, Bogastow Buzz:
https://facebook.com/groups/bogastow/

Please make check out to Peter Kamitian and note on bottom of check: “American Cancer Society” ​​

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