CUMBERLAND — The Cumberland Police Department has initiated the Cumberland Lockbox-Initiative Program (CLIP), a new community safety resource aimed at supporting the town’s elderly and disabled citizens during emergencies, Chief Matthew J. Benson announced on Jan. 28.
The CLIP program is designed to grant emergency personnel quick and secure access to residences when responding to calls.
The program includes two key components: a secure lockbox for emergency entry and a “File of Life,” which is a document containing vital health information for first responders.
Inspired by a similar initiative in the Bristol Police Department, the Cumberland program has been launched with the aid of a local real estate team.
The Hometown Experts Team at Remax Town and Country has donated the first set of lockboxes.
The team includes Broker/Realtor Kathy Bain Farrell, Team Manager/Realtor George Stansfield, and Realtors Patty Healy, Christine Kulacz, Kimberly O’Donnell, Richard Drolet, and Robert Poluvatzick.
Residents who wish to participate in the program can reach out to the police department to register and receive their lockbox and “File of Life.” Participation is voluntary, and residents can opt to use either one or both of the tools offered.
Chief Benson expressed his enthusiasm for the program, noting the success of similar initiatives elsewhere.
He emphasized the importance of the CLIP in preventing property damage during forced entries and in assisting vulnerable populations more effectively.
The department is grateful for the collaboration with the Hometown Experts Team and is committed to expanding the program as participation increases.
