Authorities safely removed a World War I artillery shell from a residence in Paxton on October 14, involving cooperation between the Paxton Fire Department, the state police bomb squad, and explosive ordnance experts from Westover Air Reserve Base in Chicopee. The shell, estimated to be approximately 110 years old, had been kept as a family heirloom passed down from the homeowner’s grandfather.

Despite its age, officials determined the shell still posed a significant hazard, requiring specialized handling due to its instability. Fire officials emphasized that many historic military relics can remain dangerous more than a century after their manufacture. The ordnance was transported to a facility in Devens, where it was scheduled for destruction under controlled conditions.

Authorities noted there was no risk to public safety throughout the removal operation. The homeowner was commended for reporting the artifact rather than attempting to handle it independently. Officials urged the public to avoid touching or moving any old military munitions or suspicious explosive devices and to notify local authorities immediately to ensure proper evaluation and disposal by trained personnel.