In reaching out to kids, Holliston fire chief's cable show wins national honor

Norman Miller, MetroWest Daily News
·2 min read

HOLLISTON — What started as a way to connect with kids during the pandemic has evolved into a national award-winning cable access show.

"Storytime with Chief Cassidy," starring Fire Chief Michael Cassidy and produced by Holliston Cable Access and station manager Bruce Gilfoy, was recently honored with an "Award of Excellence," at the 28th Annual Communicator Awards, presented by the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts.

Holliston Fire Chief Michael Cassidy reads "Firefighter Nozzelhead Goes to Mexico" for his Holliston Cable Access Television (HCAT) program, "Story Time with Chief Cassidy," at the Central Street fire station, May 25, 2022.
Holliston Fire Chief Michael Cassidy reads "Firefighter Nozzelhead Goes to Mexico" for his Holliston Cable Access Television (HCAT) program, "Story Time with Chief Cassidy," at the Central Street fire station, May 25, 2022.

Other winners included The Walt Disney Company, Mattel, T-Mobile and NASA Television.

"I think the product we've been putting out is really high quality," Cassidy said.

Cassidy came up with the idea just over two years ago, at the beginning of the pandemic. Without being able to go to schools and interact with children, he sought a way to continue reaching out to them. He came up with the idea of reading a fire safety book, recording it and posting it on Facebook.

Holliston Fire Chief Michael Cassidy, left, tapes a reading of "Firefighter Nozzelhead Goes to Mexico" for Holliston Cable Access Television (HCAT) station manager Bruce Gilfoy, center, and HCAT intern Shealyn Marino, at the Central Street fire station, May 25, 2022.
Holliston Fire Chief Michael Cassidy, left, tapes a reading of "Firefighter Nozzelhead Goes to Mexico" for Holliston Cable Access Television (HCAT) station manager Bruce Gilfoy, center, and HCAT intern Shealyn Marino, at the Central Street fire station, May 25, 2022.

He recorded the first episode in the firehouse, using his iPad to record it. Gilfoy saw it, and thought he could help make the show better. The show is now available on Holliston Cable Access' Facebook, YouTube and Twitter pages.

"They really came up with a way to up the ante," said Cassidy. "They really were able to make it a lot better and use real cameras and lighting."

More: As cable companies lose customers, public access TV channels are paying a price

The recording that won was Episode 20, called "Let's Meet a Firefighter." In the episode, Cassidy reads the book of the same name, while sharing the pages with viewers.

Gilfoy said the technical know-how of Holliston Cable Access blended perfectly with Cassidy's personality to make the show shine.

"It's always been so popular out there," said Gilfoy. "He delivers the lines, but the inflection of his voice when he's reading, it's really just something he can do. His voice really makes it worthwhile. Not everyone could deliver it like he does."

"Storytime with Chief Cassidy," has won other honors. In December 2020, it earned third place in the Alliance for Community Media Northeast Region Video Festival. Also, Cassidy and Gilfoy presented a workshop based on the show last year at the 26th annual Massachusetts Fire & Life Safety Education Conference in Hyannis.

Holliston Fire Chief Michael Cassidy, right, tapes his reading of "Firefighter Nozzelhead Goes to Mexico" for Holliston Cable Access Television (HCAT) station manager Bruce GIlfoy, left, at the Central Street fire station, May 25, 2022. The program is called "Story Time with Chief Cassidy."
Holliston Fire Chief Michael Cassidy, right, tapes his reading of "Firefighter Nozzelhead Goes to Mexico" for Holliston Cable Access Television (HCAT) station manager Bruce GIlfoy, left, at the Central Street fire station, May 25, 2022. The program is called "Story Time with Chief Cassidy."

There have been more than 30 episodes taped so far, with plans for more. Even though the pandemic shutdown is over, Cassidy said children in Holliston and beyond really seem to like watching it.

"It really seems to connect with them," he said.

Norman Miller can be reached at 508-626-3823 or nmiller@wickedlocal.com. For up-to-date public safety news, follow Norman Miller on Twitter @Norman_MillerMW or on Facebook at facebook.com/NormanMillerCrime.

This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Holliston Fire Chief Cassidy's cable access show wins national award