Inmate work team cleans up Forestdale Cemetery

Malden - Sheriff James V. DiPaola and local Malden officials recently visited the Forestdale Cemetery on Forest Street, where a Middlesex Sheriff’s Office Inmate Work Crew was completing a week-long beautification project.

The project, which consisted of landscaping and cleaning, culminated Nov. 7 with DiPaola, guests and work crew placing American flags at gravesites in honor of the upcoming Veterans Day remembrance.

The project was undertaken by the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office Community Work Program, which provides inmate labor to Middlesex County communities at no cost to the taxpayers.

This particular cemetery project saved the city of Malden an estimated $3,000.

Over the past year, DiPaola has assigned the Community Work Program to complete several projects in Malden, including work for the fire and police departments and graffiti removal at Bell Rock Park.

Overall, the Community Work Program has saved the city of Malden more than $49,000 in 2008.

“As we see so often in public safety, it takes cooperation to get the job done. I am proud of the partnership we have with Malden because together, we bring innovative resources to tackle complex issues,” DiPaola said. “The tireless efforts of the Middlesex officers and the inmates helped beautify the community, while loosening the financial belt during these tight economic times.”

Joining DiPaola were City Council President Gary Christenson, John Webster from Veterans Services and Mike Gilligan from the Malden Housing Authority.