Malden Mayor Meets With Inmate Crews Working at Cemetery

MALDEN, MA - Malden Mayor Gary Christenson met with inmates assigned to the Sheriff’s community work program on Tuesday, May 17. The three-member crew repositioned fallen headstones and landscaped the grounds of the Forest Dale Cemetery in advance of Memorial Day. "It was great to visit Forest Dale Cemetery and see the work being done by our crew," said Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian.

Work crews are comprised of supervised teams of three to five inmates nearing the completion of their sentences. They conduct painting, cleanup and other projects under the direct and constant supervision of a correction officer, according to Koutoujian. All inmates have successfully completed individualized treatment plans (which may include substance abuse, educational/vocational and other programming) and have been screened and approved for participation, the sheriff said.

"We can no longer do this work alone," said Mayor Christenson. "And so to have the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office led by Sheriff Koutoujian here to help us will go a long way in preparing the cemetery for Memorial Day." The community work program is provided at minimal costs to towns throughout Middlesex County. Already this year crews have completed work in Malden, Medford, Melrose, Somerville, Stoneham, Wakefield and 21 other communities.

Photo courtesy of City of Malden.