ROCKLAND — With a little help from mutual aid, emergency responders in Rockland went in different directions after two almost-simultaneous motor vehicle crashes occurred in the city, Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021.

At approximately 8:45 a.m., Rockland police were called to a vehicle crash at the intersection of Park and Union streets. Initial reports indicated that no one was injured, however, one occupant then opted to be checked out. That request drew an ambulance and fire truck from the nearby station.

A few minutes later, while all personnel were still at Park and Union, Knox Regional Communications Center was alerted to a vehicle-motorcycle crash on South Main Street (Route 73) between Maritime Energy and South End Grocers. A Rockland officer left the first accident to investigate the second call, assisted by a Knox County Sheriff’s deputy who happened to be in the area. For fire/EMS personnel, call-shift members and off-duty diverted to South Main while en route to cover the station while the on-duty personnel were at the first call.