February 2021 – Everett Leader Herald

Bullock led Tide as captain in late 1800s

Matthew Bullock, Everett High School star went on to Dartmouth College. (Creative Commons)

By LORENZO RECUPERO

Everett is no stranger to great athletes and sports teams. We all know names such as Diamond Ferri, Omar Easy, who both excelled on the football field for the Crimson Tide before runs in the NFL, and even Ghared Boyce, the city’s all-time leading basketball scorer, among many other names that proved their ability in a special way on the field and hardwood of play.

But what do all the aforementioned athletes have in common? They are all achieving Black men.

In honor of Black History Month, we at the Leader Herald would like to shed light on the first documented African American leader in Everett sports history – Mr. Matthew Bullock.

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Stanley V. Colson

Stanley V. Colson, of Everett, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on February 16th, 2021 at 97 years. Beloved husband of the late Elsbeth B. (Horath) Colson for 63 years. Loving father of Ralph Colson and his wife Linda Bellofatto of Nahant, Carl Colson, and his wife Judy Colson of Everett, and the late Bernard Colson.

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William C McComish

William C McComish, 85, a resident of Everett passed away at his home in the loving care of his wife, Madeline, on February 21.

William was born on September 14, 1935, in Boston, the only child of the late William M. McComish, and Mary (Moran) McComish. Bill graduated with a Physics degree from Boston College and worked as a mathematical analyst in radar analysis for Boston College Aerospace Laboratory at Hanscom Air Force Base.

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A firefighter’s firefighter retires

Deputy Chief Michael Ragucci strikes last alarm

**Deputy Chief Michael Ragucci retires**

By JOSH RESNEK

Two weeks ago, former Mayor David Ragucci retired after a near lifetime of public service here.

His brother Michael, a man’s man deputy chief with the Everett Fire Department, is following in his brother’s footsteps.
He retired on the same day as his brother after 32 years.

If Deputy Ragucci told me to take a line through hell, I would have done it and returned safely.”
– Everett firefighter

In typical Mike Ragucci self-deprecating fashion, he said that his brother deserved the big spread on his retirement.

“He was a trailblazer. I was just a loyal firefighter who loved what I did from the day I joined the department in 1988. I loved serving the city. I was proud of all the men I served with. I learned about commitment, pride, and tradition,” he said.

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EFD rescue person from Lewis St. fire, manpower shortage still a problem for city

February 21: A two-alarm fire at 40 Lewis Street. EFD rescued one person from the second floor. (Photo by Patrick Johnston)

By JOSH RESNEK

A Monday night fire on Lewis Street led to the over the ladder rescue of a person trapped inside the burning home.

That fire came at a prophetic moment as the firefighter’s union, the mayor, and others in the administration are having talks about what to do about the dwindling number of Everett firefighters.

According to those familiar with the ongoing talks, the mayor is not now prepared to hire any firefighters despite the department being down 20 firefighters mainly due to retirements.

“The department’s morale is as low as I can recall in a lifetime,” said retired Deputy Chief Michael Ragucci.

“The men and women of the EFD deserve better. The mayor knows this. He has failed to act. He says there aren’t enough fires anymore to justify the hires. The people of the city rely on us. We are all that exist between professionally manned and managed public safety efforts and chaos. The mayor needs to choose, and soon,” Ragucci added.

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