MASSENA -- A volunteer force of 47 searched seven parks in the village and four school playgrounds for improperly discarded hypodermic syringes on Saturday and found one needle, according to village police Chief Timmy Currier.

Currier said it was found at the Brighton Street play area. The group also checked Alcoa Field park, Elm Circle park, Footbridge park on the north side, North Main Street park, Springs Park, the wooden playground on Danforth Place and playgrounds at Trinity Catholic, Jefferson, Madison and Nightengale elementary schools.

Currier said four teams took about two hours to search the areas and the needle was disposed of by rescue squad personnel.

"It's a great sign that only one syringe was found. Citizens still need to vigilant and be on the lookout for these dangerous items," Currier said. "What a wonderful turnout we had, thanks to everyone that supported this initiative". 

Improperly disposed syringes are a biohazard and are at risk of transmitting blood-borne diseases such as HIV, hepetitis B and hepetitis C. 

Currier says citizens who find syringes should not touch them. Call village police at 769-3577 and an officer will come and dispose of it.