Website was updated on 11/16/2024

Tuftonboro & Wolfeboro,

New Hampshire


May 15,2020


On Opening up the State, Town, our Economy and other things….

As another weekend approaches, Stephen and I would like to take a few moments and discuss a few points we thought worthy of mention, and things that we sort of kicked around a bit last week, but felt germane to mention to our readers.

The very first though, which comes to mind is the fantastic job all our citizens and business have done over these last few months as we have been faced with this heretofore unprecedented public health emergency. Unlike any other time in modern memory (well…at least for the last 102 years or so) we have not faced the type of threat(s) that the COVID-19 virus has presented. With the noticeable exception of a few scofflaws, the entire community has really come together to reduce the viral threat and help get Wolfeboro back on the road to recovery, both physically, and economically. Everyone we think can take a measure of pride in being part of the solution.

With that being said, our New Hampshire Governor, and others, have started the State on the long hard road to recovery and our promised return to “normalcy.” They have done this by slowly “opening up the State.” This is NOT to be without risk(s)-regardless on where we stand in the political spectrum.

The bigger picture here is that we as a Society cannot forever live inside a box without social or economic activity; we as individuals and I dare say Society, would not survive.

Our Elected officials at all levels in concert with our appointed leaders, have started the long and arduous process at looking how to best do this task with as little risk as possible. This progression is likely to be slow, burdensome, and not without peril.

We can all help this process go a little faster and indeed safer, if we all continue to practice good social distancing, exercise basic sanitation, disinfect common surfaces regularly, abide by the recommendations of the Towns’ and Governor’s Task Forces established to look at ways of opening up our Cities, Towns and businesses, while all continuing to implement good judgment and common sense.

In the spirit of “we are all in this together” it is easy for individuals to criticize or take aim at other’s recommendations, or Town plans designed to get us all back to “normal” as quickly as possible; it is quite another to be part of the solution. Those citizens and employees taking part in these mini “think tanks” tasked at figuring out how to open up the community are faced with a tremendous chore, and are doing so in an effort to get us all back to work, and school just as quickly as possible. We can all help by following their recommendations or by taking part in the various panels meeting to help with the “heavy lifting” on these matters.

Lastly, as a Community, and as we move forward, remember that we are treading lightly, we still don’t know much about how this virus works, or how it will respond this summer, nor do we really know what it is likely to do this winter. No matter what the future holds in store for us, remember we are stronger as a team, and with everybody pulling along. Remember that we will all get through this as a team, and that we all have each other’s best interests at heart. So when or if asked to increase space while standing in line for a cup of coffee, or while waiting for an ice cream, don’t be mad, be glad, that someone thought enough about you to say something kind-thank-you.

Chief Dean J. Rondeau
Chief of Police,
Wolfeboro Police Department

Chairman Stephen Wood
Chairman, Wolfeboro Police Commission​


May 8, 2020


A few thoughts on …Adversity, Civil Liberties, Resiliency, and Cooperation with our Fellow Neighbors

As another weekend is upon us, we find ourselves still in the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic-this is likely to last for some time. None of us know when this crisis will end, but we know it will-and that is the good news. Steve and I want to take a moment to discuss a few topics of importance relative to this, and how we will overcome this threat-together. 

We are all in this COVID-19 fight together. As we navigate our way through this morass, we need to remember that we will all get through this as a team, and more importantly as neighbors. Once the threat has diminished, we will once again socialize with our friends, family and fellow citizens; we will enjoy ourselves as we used too; but for now, we all need to respect the fact that we do not know or even understand everything that is going on around us, nor each other’s story. More importantly and to the point, we don’t know why many out of State vehicles are in New Hampshire, or even in Wolfeboro; none of which, by the way, is prohibited, as mentioned before in previous writings. Remember, these folks too are our neighbors, and our friends!

Often, the PD is queried about our out-of-State visitors coming here to enjoy their property or to visit. Please be mindful that if an out of State resident owns or rents property here in Wolfeboro, they are paying for that privilege either through taxes, or a pre-existing rental agreement of some type, and as such, have every legal right to use and enjoy “their” property as they see fit. After all, property rights are some of the most protected in this State and indeed, the Country. However, it is also important to note that the same rules apply to them that apply to everyone else. Sure, they should be exercising all the universal precautions and respecting our Governor’s requests, just as if they lived here in Wolfeboro year-round, even if they are here for only a few hours or the weekend. But the point I wish to stress here is that they do indeed have a legitimate and Constitutional right to enjoy their property-and we need to remember that. 

Lastly, and perhaps more importantly, the border between Massachusetts and New Hampshire is still open, and residents from all States are still allowed and welcomed entry into New Hampshire-this has not changed-and remember, some of these very folks, who may be enjoying a week-end of solitude in New Hampshire, may be working feverously at a research lab in Kendall Square in Cambridge, or perhaps are a Harvard or M.I.T research grant fellow working on coronavirus vaccine study, or a health care worker taking some much needed time off from the fight in order to recoup-getting ready for another round or two, or someone else somehow engaged in the COVID-19 campaign-just seeking a few minutes of peaceful isolation, a respite in between battles. We do not know every individual’s story-nor should we.

An interesting point of discussion in all of this is where do Civil Liberties end, and Government overreach begin? Especially when dealing with the types of restrictions and actions needed to effectively combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Stephen Wood and I are forever talking this issue through. Incidentally, I recall from my Political Science college days that the first job of any legitimate government is the protection of its’ citizens. Therein lies the rub, and the paradox-during these trying times- just how do we do that, and not stifle the very liberties and independence which spawned a revolution-these ideals which we hold so dear and precious-to which every Law Enforcement Officer has sworn an oath to uphold? This is what Steve and I wrestle with daily!

Presently, and based upon the science, we know there is no silver bullet or stake through the beast’s heart that is going to kill this threat. We also need to come to the realization that this threat is likely to be with us for some time, possibly even making a stronger reappearance later this fall once it subsides-hopefully, this summer… if it subsides-we simply don’t know. We all need to face this adversity for what it is-and face it head on-together, and in cooperation with one another! We do this as a team! We will all get through this, through mutual collaboration, through the use of the only tools in the arsenal right now-prevention-and all that goes with it; voluntary compliance with the law, and kindness.-we all really do need one another. So be kind, understand that everyone has a story, that prevention is the key to victory, and that the best way to deal with adversity is to deal with it head on; and with everyone doing the heavy lifting in fighting this threat-we will get through it together, as a team. In the end-working together we will beat back COVID-19 and be all the much better for it-thank-you for reading.

Chief Dean J. Rondeau
Wolfeboro, Chief of Police

Stephen Wood
Chairman, Wolfeboro Police Commission

May 1, 2020


As we approach another weekend while navigating the Covid-19 pandemic, I ask that you be mindful of your actions should you want to question the actions of others. My remarks here today are as a result of direct calls and messages from a number of Wolfeboro citizens, in addition to various postings in social Media. We all need to maintain civility with each other for the sake of all.

The overwhelming concern is that of “out-of-staters” entering Wolfeboro and potentially contaminating others, especially if their license plate is from a state identified has having a high rate of confirmed cases of the virus. Although information and guidance has been offered on this topic, I would like to clear up some misconceptions and perhaps create a better understanding on this issue. To begin, there have been people who have commented that they’ve called the Police Department to report a neighbor who lives in another state but is visiting their Wolfeboro residence on weekends, and the neighbors are doing so regularly. Their comments also include that the dispatcher who took their call advised that there was nothing the Police Department can do. The reason for the dispatcher’s reply is based on what information is being conveyed by the caller. If the seasonal home owner arrives for the weekend bringing with them everything they may need for their stay, keeping to themselves while enjoying their property or maybe taking a walk in their neighborhood while maintaining social distancing, and then returning to their home state, there is no violation of the Governor’s orders. Using a similar scenario, if the seasonal owner arrives for the weekend, and you observe them leaving for periods of time only to return with groceries from a local store, perhaps supplies from the hardware store or a building supply store, they are not following the Governor’s orders. You may certainly call and report them and they will be visited by a member of the Police Department and advised to follow protocol. The Governor has provided law enforcement agencies the means to address such violations.

Another hot topic as of late is the careless discarding of gloves and masks on sidewalks and in parking lots. This is where self-policing can be exercised if you are so inclined. If you witness someone drop these items before entering a vehicle or exiting a local business and walking somewhere, a simple “Excuse me, I think you dropped something” will cause anyone with a conscience to pick the item(s) up and dispose of them properly. If they rebuff you and leave, please don’t engage them. A license plate number and a description of the individual is all that is needed if you wish to report this to the Police Department. This is clearly a violation of law and there is no other side to the argument.

Police officers are patrolling our neighborhoods as much as they are able, trying to ensure that everyone is safe, and abiding by the Governor’s orders. Input from our citizens is always important and other “eyes” are essential. Your assistance in this regard is both sought and welcomed. Wolfeboro is a town where community policing is being practiced and the success of that practice is contingent on the exchange of information between the Police Department and our residents.

As we continue to try and maintain our own good practices during this extraordinary time, I again ask that you consider your actions before questioning the actions of others. We don’t always know someone else’s story, or their burdens. Hostility toward people in a vehicle simply because their license plate is from another state is not a good action. They may be a resident with a rental car. I certainly don’t know everyone who lives in Wolfeboro. It could be a health care worker helping out from another state but you wouldn’t know that unless the car is signed as such. It can be seasonal property owners that are abiding by the stay at home orders but if you’re not their neighbor, you wouldn’t know that.

The term “We Can Do This” is seen in a number of places, especially on social media. “We” means us together, as a team and as individuals. Sure, there will always be those who choose to ignore the rules and do what suits their needs but the majority of people are doing the right thing. Don’t let the political rhetoric from either side dictate your behavior. We can work as a team by being the best version of ourselves. We will most certainly get through this in time but for now, be mindful each day that we should strive to be kind to one another, provide assistance where we can, and treat each other in the manner in which we wish to be treated. Please stay safe everyone.

Sincerely,

Steve Wood
Police Commissioner

Chief Dean J. Rondeau
Chief of Police