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Officer Richard Claflin was probably the first in the region to initiate a dash cam in his cruiser in 1983. He taped every street in the Town Of Fairhaven in the fall of 1983. He did this to document what Fairhaven streets were like for other to see someday. Over 30 years later, the clips have been transferred and digitized in several 9 minute segments. All sections in town were covered.

Original police calls can be heard on the cruisers radio. For those who weren't around town back then, I caution this is as boring as watching paint dry. But if you were around, the footage may show someone you knew, a familiar car or house or maybe even yourself. Guess where the clips were taken!

A little bit about Richard Claflin: After graduating with The FHS Class of 1957, he enlisted in the US Air Force and served for 4 years. Upon returning home in 1961, Claflin pursued a career in law enforcement which spanned over 30 years, with the last eight as detective, in his hometown of Fairhaven.

He also earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice in 1979. Many recall his days a talented singer and guitar player in a few bands including Liberty 4.

MLBaron Historic Archives.