Boy Scout troop 13, Danny Furze logistically planned, executed and completed “Operation Cannon Rehab” on time for his upcoming Eagle Scout Award

Residents noticed during the winter months that the Iconic Cannon on Bay State Road across from American Legion Post 302 was missing for several months. Coordinated and supervised by a Boy Scout from Troop 13, Danny Furze with the logistical support from J&J Material & Ferreira Construction, this cannon was removed from the island, loaded onto a flatbed tractor trailer belonging to J&J Materials who then transported the cannon to Ferreira Construction / J&J Materials maintenance shop where it would be in a climate controlled environment for rehabilitation.

Danny Furze decided to refurbish this Cannon after talking to an American Legion member during the Legions Annual Ceremony for Disposable of Unserviceable Flags in June 2016, which the Boy Scouts Troop 13 took part in. He heard that the Cannon was in desperate need of repairs and repainting and thought it would be a good Eagle Scout Project. Danny Furze, the son of Steve and Jane Furze, wanted to preserve the Cannon for the veterans in the community and to bring the people together for a common goal. This project not only honors Veterans in the history of the Cannon, but he jumpstarted a multi-agency effort to improve the town landmark.

While Danny along with the Boy Scouts Troop 13 worked on the cannon, the American Legion along with the town of Rehoboth’s Highway Department coordinated and replace the old 1 ½ square foot concrete pads with an enhance 4’x7’x3’ solid concrete foundation for the Cannons future resting place. Safety was also a high priority and the success of this project could not have happen without the outstanding support from the Rehoboth Police Department.

On March 6th 2017, John Ferreira, John Ferreira Junior, Mike Costello, the Rehoboth Highway Department crew and Jake Kramer, Adjutant for the American Legion and the towns Veterans Service Officer were able to download and set the cannon into its final resting place in a safe and timely manner. Mission Complete! Congratulations Danny Furze!!

Danny Furze has been involved in scouting since he was 10 years old. This community service project will now allow him to make his Eagle Scout which is the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouts.

Danny Furze, a Rehoboth high school student coordinated with American Legion Post 302, the Rehoboth Police Department, the Rehoboth Highway Department, J&J materials and Ferreira Construction Company to organize the project. “I think this is a beautiful project” says Veteran's Service Officer Jake Kramer.

Photos taken by Norm Spring