GLOUCESTER – Mayor Greg Verga is pleased to announce the hiring of Kansas Ricci-Munn as the City’s Operations Manager for Beaches and Parks and Emily Sloane as the City’s Economic Development Coordinator.

“Emily and Kansas bring a wide range of knowledge and experience to the team, and I’m confident they’ll make a real difference in their new roles,” said Mayor Greg Verga. “Our open spaces and local businesses are among the most important parts of our community, and these two new positions will play a key role in advancing the initiatives that strengthen and support them.”

Ricci-Munn, a Gloucester resident, has been a valued member of the City’s lifeguard team for nearly two decades, bringing experience and creativity to the role. He has worked as Lifeguard Coordinator for the City of Gloucester since 2022 and has been instrumental in the development of the program and team. Through his leadership of the lifeguard program, he has prioritized training, staff engagement, and communication.

“It brings me great joy to serve the City of Gloucester,” said Ricci-Munn. “ We have a special community and I’m proud to be part of it”

As the City’s new Operations Manager for Beaches and Parks, Ricci-Munn will be responsible for the care and oversight of some of Gloucester’s most well-used public spaces. From maintaining the safety and accessibility of our shorelines to supporting the upkeep of our parks,  including Stage Fort Park, he will help ensure these areas remain welcoming and enjoyable for residents and visitors. He will play a key role in the implementation of Gloucester’s Beach Management Plan — ensuring our beaches are safe, well-maintained, and welcoming for all residents and visitors.

Sloane, a native of Gloucester, brings over 20 years of experience driving economic growth, strengthening the workforce, and empowering communities. Most recently she supported studies intended to promote global food security as Markets Advisor at Tetra Tech, following nearly a decade of experience in international economic development and humanitarian program management work — specifically within the nonprofit or international NGO (INGO) sector. As Economic Development Coordinator, she will play a key role supporting Gloucester’s economic growth and long-term community goals. She will focus on implementing many of the City’s recently completed strategic plans, including the Municipal Harbor Plan, Local Rapid Recovery Plan, and Comprehensive Plan, while advancing the creation of a Downtown Business Improvement District (BID).

“After two decades of working on economic development projects worldwide, I am truly excited to be focusing on my home community. Gloucester has so many smart, engaged residents, and I look forward to partnering with them to build a stronger economic future for us all,” said Sloane.

In this role, Sloane will also work to support Gloucester’s existing maritime industry while helping to guide opportunities in the emerging blue economy, ensuring that Gloucester continues to honor its working waterfront heritage while preparing for a sustainable economic future.

Sloane and Ricci-Munn officially started with the City of Gloucester on October 6, 2025.

GLOUCESTER — Fire Chief Eric Smith reports that the Gloucester Fire Department extinguished a structure fire that injured a resident on Wednesday morning.

On Wednesday, July 31, at approximately 10:39 a.m., the Gloucester Fire Department was called to 20 Marina Drive for a report of a structure fire.

Companies arrived to find a two-story, single-family home with an attached garage fully involved with fire, and a resident who evacuated the home on his own suffering from injuries. That resident was taken to Beverly Hospital for treatment.

Firefighters used two, 2 1/2 inch hose lines to quickly knock down the main body of the fire before entering the garage to contain the flames to the attached garage. Several flammable containers and an oxygen tank burned inside the garage, causing what appeared to be small explosions as the gases in the containers vented and fueled the fire.

The main body of the fire was knocked down by 11:09 a.m., and the fire was fully under control by about 11:20 a.m.

The home’s attached garage is likely a total loss, but fire damage was contained to the attached garage. The rest of the home suffered smoke damage.

The family that lives in the home will be displaced, but reported having family to stay with in the area.

Rockport firefighters covered Gloucester stations while companies battled the blaze, and eventually responded to the scene to provide additional manpower.

“Crews did an outstanding job attending to the victim and knocking the fire down quickly,” said Chief Smith. “We’re hoping his injuries are minor and that he is released soon.”

The cause remains under investigation by the Gloucester Fire Department, but it appears welding may have been involved.

Jim Rabbitt – KIPP Academy Football Coach with Bill Newell

At approximately 11:30 a.m., members of the Gloucester Police and Fire Departments responded to the area of 35 Warner St. for a report of a pedestrian crash involving a child.

Upon arrival, first responders came upon a 7-year-old girl who had been struck by a 2010 Ford Escape. The girl was injured, but was conscious and alert.

The girl was treated by medics at the scene and was transported by ambulance to O’Maley Innovation Middle School, on Cherry St., where she was subsequently picked up and flown by medical helicopter to a Boston hospital for further medical care.

Deputy Chief Fitzgerald reports that the driver of the vehicle remained at the scene and was cooperative. The initial investigation indicates that the girl ran out into the road and was struck by the vehicle. The crash remains under investigation by the Gloucester Police Department.

No further information is available at this time.