Berkshire County EMS Sets Annual Banquet, Expo

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Emergency Medical Services Committee of Berkshire County will hold its annual awards banquet on Friday, May 17, at Itam Lodge.

The dinner, which starts at 6, is open to all emergency responders in Berkshire County. More than 25 "Save" certificates will be given to emergency responders who played an integral part in saving a life, as well as the distribution of individual awards, such as the EMT of the Year, Emergency Physician of the Year, etc. Survivors will also be in attendance to help honor the rescuers.

The Emergency Medical Services of Berkshire County will be holding its EMS Expo this Sunday, May 19, at the Berkshire Mall in Lanesborough from 11 to 6. The event kicks off National EMS Week, which officially begins on Sunday and recognizes the live-saving services provided by emergency medical services workers.

More than 55 exhibitors and emergency vehicles will be scattered throughout the common area of the mall, as well as outdoors, providing information on their line of work while also conducting interactive demonstrations. The event includes a car-seat safety checkup.  

The expo is geared to people of all ages. Children can see the inside of an ambulance, teenagers interested in pursuing a career in medical services can get more information, and adults can get detailed explanations of about thier local EMS providers.

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Reps. Leigh Davis, Bud Williams Filing Legislation Honoring Freeman

SHEFFIELD, Mass. — State Reps. Leigh Davis of the 3rd Berkshire District and Bud L. Williams, of the 11th Hampden District, are filing legislation establishing Aug. 22 as Elizabeth Freeman Day of Equality, Healing, and Remembrance in the commonwealth.
 
The legislation would direct the governor to annually issue a proclamation recognizing the courageous contributions of Elizabeth Freeman, an enslaved Black woman known as Mum Bett, whose landmark freedom suit helped spark the legal end of slavery in Massachusetts.
 
"Elizabeth Freeman's story began here in the Berkshires, but its impact reached every corner of the commonwealth," said Davis. "More than two centuries later, her legacy continues to inspire us. Establishing Elizabeth Freeman Day will ensure that future generations learn not only about her extraordinary bravery, but also about the power of one person to change the course of history."
 
In 1781, Freeman, of Sheffield at the time, challenged the institution of slavery by filing suit against her enslaver, Col. John Ashley. In the landmark case Brom and Bett v. Ashley, a Berkshire County jury ruled in favor of Freeman and her fellow plaintiff, Brom, granting them their freedom. The case demonstrated the power of the Massachusetts Constitution's declaration that all people are born free and equal and helped pave the way for the Quock Walker decisions that ultimately ended slavery in the commonwealth. 
 
"Freeman's courage changed the course of history in Massachusetts," said Williams. "At a time when the odds were stacked against her, she stood up and demanded that the promises of liberty and equality contained in our Constitution apply to her as well. She risked everything to challenge an unjust system, and her victory helped lay the foundation for the end of slavery in our commonwealth. Her legacy deserves to be recognized and remembered by every resident of Massachusetts."
 
Although unable to read or write, Freeman understood the meaning of freedom and equality and took extraordinary action to secure those rights for herself and others. Her story remains one of the most powerful examples of individual courage in the face of injustice. 
 
Elizabeth Freeman Day will provide an opportunity for reflection, education, healing, and remembrance, said Williams. 
 
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