William McDonagh v. Department of Correction (SPR 20251925)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Public Records Division Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records July 15, 2025 SPR25/1925 Kate Silva Director of Communications Department of Correction 50 Maple Street Milford, MA 01757 Dear Ms. Silva: I have received the petition of William McDonagh appealing the nonresponse of the Department of Correction (Department) to a request for public records. See G. L. c. 66, § 10A; see also 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). On May 25, 2025, Mr. McDonagh requested: [1] A copy of any report or order from the MA State Fire Marshall within the last 5 years that state or orders that the use of live flame candles are not to be used in any building or chapel within the Department of Corrections[;] [2] A copy of any report or order from the MA Department of corrections within the last 5 years that state or orders that live flame candles are not to be used in any building or chapel within the Department of corrections[;] [3] A Copy of any report or order from the Gardner Fire department or Gardner fire inspector within the last 5 years that state or orders that the use of live flame candles are not to be used in any building or chapel located at 500 Colony Rd. (NCCI)[;] [4] A copy of any report or order generated from any officer Administration personnel, Department head etc. that order or report that has been made with regard to the use of live fire candles are not to be used within any building located at NCCI 500 Colony Rd. by any officer, Administration personnel, Department head etc. from Gardner within the last 5 years [sic]. Claiming to not yet have received responsive records, Mr. McDonagh petitioned this office and this appeal, SPR25/1925, was opened as a result. One Ashburton Place, Room 1719, Boston, Massachusetts 02108 • (617) 727-2832• Fax: (617) 727-5914 sec.state.ma.us/pre • pre@sec.state.ma.us

Kate Silva SPR25/1925 Page 2 July 15, 2025 Subsequently, I learned that the Department provided Mr. McDonagh with a response dated June 20th, 2025. Where this appeal was opened as a result of the Department’s lack of a written response, I will now consider this administrative appeal closed. Mr. McDonagh may appeal the substantive nature of the Department’s response within ninety (90) days. See 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). Sincerely, Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records cc: William McDonagh