Sheriff Ogden Leads Efforts to Clean Roadsides

Sergeant Espino and Sheriff Ogden

DUKES COUNTY – On a mission to help keep our community clean and safe, Dukes County Sheriff Robert Ogden and Special Sheriff James Neville joined DCSO Road Crew today, March 11th, removing over 30 industrial sized bags of litter from the brush along Edgartown-West Tisbury Road. Those passing by may have noticed marked “Dukes County Sheriff’s Office” vehicles, supervised Justice-Involved individuals, and Correctional Officers removing litter and returning roadsides to pristine conditions.

Over 30 industrial-sized bags of litter were cleared on Friday.

“We are happy to continue to support the Department of Transportation and pleased to have the opportunity, during this time when workforces are stretched so thin, to provide a service to give back to our community. We will continue to support these efforts and encourage our community to join us in caring for our Island’s fragile ecosystem.” Sheriff Ogden says. Sheriff Ogden was joined by Special Sheriff Neville on the roadsides, pulling tires, cans, nip bottles, plastic, food containers and more from the heavy brush.

“The most important takeaway today is the importance of covering your load. So much of this litter comes from open bed vehicles carrying uncovered loads of trash to the dump, flying out and covering our roads. Massachusetts General Law is clear; loads must be secure. Penalties under the law for violating MGL Chapter 85 Section 36 include a fine of no less than $50, up to $200. Our Island roads will only be as clean as we work to keep it, and that starts with each of us taking proactive measures to prevent litter from happening in the first place.” says Sheriff Ogden.

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