Police Remove Gun From Herberg Student's Locker

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Police were called to Herberg Middle School in Pittsfield to remove a gun from a student's locker on Friday morning.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Pittsfield police removed a small caliber pistol from a locker at Herberg Middle School on Friday morning.

The weapon was not loaded, but did have a clip with bullets beside it. had a magazine in the gun but there were no bullets in the chamber. (Superintendent Jason McCandless on Monday corrected the information first given to the press from the mayor's office on Friday.)

Police were called after a student reported to a teacher that another student had a gun in the school building. 

A search was conducted by the school administration, with assistance from the school resource officer, David Orsi.  The weapon was removed immediately by the Pittsfield Police Department.

"Officer Orsi was able to quickly secure the weapon and to place the student in custody," said Pittsfield Police Chief Michael Wynn. "As always, we appreciate public cooperation with ongoing investigations and encourage residents to report any suspicious or concerning information.”


“We have safety protocols in place at all schools and practice them regularly," said Jason McCandless, Pittsfield Public Schools's superintendent. "As always, we are collaborating with the Pittsfield Police. We are thankful for our strong relationship and support from the city of Pittsfield and from our Pittsfield families, and will continue to keep them informed.”

The Herberg administration is working with the Pittsfield Police Department to further investigate the matter. Families are encouraged to partner with the school administration regarding any information that could be of assistance to help continue to maintain a safe and secure environment.

“Principal Coleman and her staff followed Pittsfield Public School safety protocol to the letter," Mayor Daniel Bianchi said. "School administration, including our school resource officer, and Pittsfield Police effectively took all appropriate measures to efficiently address the situation and safeguard the school community. I am confident in Dr. McCandless’s leadership and the professionalism of school staff as we continue to collaborate with community partners.”


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Possible Measles Exposure at Boston, Logan

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health confirmed Wednesday that an out-of-state adult visitor who spent time in Boston and Westborough earlier this month was diagnosed with measles and was present in a number of locations.
 
This could have resulted in other people being exposed to measles virus.
 
The visitor arrived at Logan International Airport on American Airlines flight 2384 from Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, on Dec. 11 at 2:39 p.m. They stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston-Westborough in Westborough and departed the state on Dec. 12 via Logan at 9:19 p.m. on JetBlue flight 117 to Las Vegas.
 
DPH is working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local partners to identify and notify those who may have been exposed to measles from this individual.
 
"Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease, which has increased significantly in the United States because of the unfortunate decrease in vaccination rates. It is also a preventable disease," said Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein. "This current situation serves as an important reminder of the critical role vaccination plays in protecting our communities. While Massachusetts has not had a measles case this year, 2025 saw the highest number of nationwide cases in more than a decade — nearly 2,000 in 44 jurisdictions, and sadly, three deaths. 
 
"Fifteen years ago, measles had been considered eliminated in the United States, but that tremendous progress is at risk. Vaccines are one of the most important public health interventions ever — they are safe, effective, and lifesaving."
 
Measles is very contagious. However, the risk to most people in Massachusetts is low because the vaccination rate in the state is high. People who are not immune and visited any of the locations on the following dates and times may be at risk for developing measles.
 
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