To the Cohasset Community,

Newsletter 1 | March 2026

An Update for Residents: Working Together on the Best Path Forward

The Town of Cohasset is continuing to look carefully at the future of our Police, Fire, and Emergency Management facilities. This work is being guided by the Select Board’s Public Safety Facilities Committee (PSFC), a volunteer group made up of residents, Town officials, and public safety representatives.

Their goal is simple: find a long-term solution that keeps our community safe, supports the people who protect us every day, and makes responsible use of taxpayer dollars.

Photo: Cohasset Emergency Management Personnel during Coordination

Why Are We Still Working on This?

Many residents have asked why this project is still being discussed. The short answer is that our current public safety buildings have real challenges that can’t be solved with small fixes or short-term repairs.

• The detention area at the Police Station has not met state safety requirements for several years
• Limited space for evidence handling, secure storage, and officer training
• No secure area (called a sallyport) for safely bringing people into the building currently exists and it is a modern Policing standard
• Public service areas and interview rooms that are too small or lack privacy
• Not enough room to house all emergency vehicles and equipment at the Fire Station
• A backup ambulance must be stored offsite in a location that is not secure or climate-controlled
• Limited space for medical supplies
• Gear cleaning and storage areas that do not meet today’s health and safety standards
  

During major storms or emergencies, Town leaders coordinate response efforts from the Emergency Operations Center. This critical hub is currently located in the basement of Deer Hill School, where space and functionality are limited for managing large-scale incidents.

Image: Graph showing the rising costs of municipal projects across the Commonwealth over the last 5 years

What Happens Now?

This renewed review isn’t about starting over; it’s about making sure we move forward with the right plan for Cohasset.


The Town wants to be confident that the project:

✔ Helps first responders do their jobs safely and effectively

✔ Meets current safety codes and professional standards

✔ Uses taxpayer dollars carefully and responsibly

✔ Reflects what the community values


Town staff and the committee will continue studying options and sharing what they learn along the way.

Keeping Residents Informed

We know this is an important topic, and we are committed to keeping residents informed and involved. Updates will continue through Town communications, public meetings, and online resources, and community feedback will remain a key part of the process.


Providing safe, functional facilities for police officers, firefighters, and emergency personnel is ultimately about protecting everyone who lives and works in Cohasset. Thoughtful planning now helps ensure the Town is prepared not just for today, but for the future as well.

Residents are encouraged to visit the project website, where key documents, project information, and a 3D virtual tour of the proposed facilities are available to help the community better understand the project.

These project newsletters are developed and generated by the Owner's Project Manager, to keep the community informed of the progress being made. 

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding the public safety project, please send an email to the Town and we will answer them as quickly as possible.

Email the Project Team