12/03/2025
DIGHTON — Dighton Town Administrator Ralph A. Vitacco, Fire Chief Christopher Maguy and Police Chief George L. Nichols Jr. are pleased to share that Mechanics Cooperative Bank has donated $15,000 to support a much-needed communications upgrade for the Town’s first responders.
The donation was celebrated Wednesday morning at the Old Town Hall, where Joseph T. Baptista Jr., President & CEO of Mechanics Cooperative Bank, presented a large ceremonial check to representatives from the Dighton Fire Department, Dighton Police Department and the Town of Dighton.
The funding enabled the recent installation of new microwave links connecting Dighton’s two repeater sites, dramatically improving the reliability and clarity of public safety radio transmissions.
The donation came after radio infrastructure specialists Modular Communications identified the need for upgraded microwave links at both of the Town’s repeater sites. Dighton Firefighter/Paramedic Justin Daigneault then took the initiative to email Baptista to ask if the bank could help. This came after Modular Communications and public safety personnel recognized that the old microwave links were showing signs of declining reliability and replacing them required funding that was difficult to obtain through traditional means.
“Our communications company that handles all this had said something along the lines of, ‘It was a ticking time bomb,'” said Daigneault. “It wasn’t a matter of if it’s going to fail, it’s when is it going to fail, since the equipment just wasn’t up to par. We have a Mechanics Cooperative Bank branch right here in town. So, I just sent an email to Joe and explained all of that, and he took it on right away. I was surprised to get a response as quickly as I did.”
The new equipment, which is public safety grade and significantly faster than the previous system, is already providing immediate benefits in terms of transmission clarity and long-term reliability.
“These new microwave links are essential for seamless communication between our two repeater sites,” said Fire Chief Maguy. “The improved system helps ensure police, fire, ambulance, and emergency management personnel can respond as quickly and safely as possible in critical situations.”
Baptista said he and his Taunton-based bank are happy to support the community and its first responders in this way.
“We’re proud to support the Town of Dighton with this important upgrade,” Baptista said. “When local departments have the tools they need, the entire community benefits. This is exactly why we believe so strongly in keeping it local – because investing in our neighbors strengthens all of us.”
Town Administrator Vitacco, Fire Chief Maguy and Police Chief Nichols each thanked Mechanics Cooperative Bank and Baptista for their contribution to the Dighton community and its safety.
“This donation allows us to make a much-needed upgrade without further delay. On behalf of our community, I want to express our deep gratitude to Joe Baptista and Mechanics Cooperative Bank for stepping up for our first responders,” Town Administrator Vitacco said. “We deeply value our local businesses like Mechanics Cooperative Bank and the strong connections we have with them. Thank you to Mechanics Cooperative Bank for your contribution to our community.”
“These upgraded microwave links will significantly improve the reliability and clarity of our communications,” said Fire Chief Maguy. “Clear radio contact is essential for firefighter safety and for effective response. We are thankful to Mechanics Cooperative Bank for helping us modernize this part of our system.”
“We are extremely grateful to Mechanics Cooperative Bank for stepping forward to support this important communications infrastructure upgrade,” said Police Chief Nichols. “This equipment upgrade strengthens our ability to communicate smoothly while responding to public safety emergencies. Thank you to Mechanics Cooperative Bank for making this possible.”
