Dalton Fire Department Planning EMT Course

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
Print Story | Email Story
DALTON, Mass. — The Fire Department is planning to host an emergency medical technician course.
 
The price of the course is still under negotiation but will be gauged on the area's interest levels, which is being evaluated by Fire Chief James Peltier and the company that will be dong the training.
 
The station hopes to be able to offer this course in-person to the community within the next two months. 
 
Peltier said he has spoken to a lot of people who have expressed interest in the course because, like him, they say they learn better in a face-to-face format. 
 
He said he's spoken to area fire chiefs who have a number of members interested in becoming EMTs. 
 
If the department gets a certain number of people outside of Dalton to sign up, Dalton gets "first dibs on a couple of reduced frequencies," Peltier said. 
 
The class size will be up to 24 people and the eight-week course will be held in the conference room two nights a week and on Saturday.
 
In addition to being in person, Peltier said this is a good opportunity because it is in-house so the department does not have to go out of town to get training or save up to contract with a private ambulance company for two years.

Tags: EMS,   

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Cyclists Pedal Into Berkshire Bike Month

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

Berkshire Bike Path Council President Marge Cohan addresses bikers at the event. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Clad in helmets and bright colors, more than 20 people gathered in Park Square to kick on Berkshire Bike Month on Wednesday.

The month of May will be stacked with bicycle-centered events throughout the county — beginning with an eight-mile loop from the city's center that ends at Hot Plate Brewing Co.

"We have we have a lot of things going on in Pittsfield for bicycles and for safety," Commissioner of Public Services and Utilities Ricardo Morales said.

"We're not anywhere near where we should be. We have a lot of work to do."

Bike month is meant to promote the safe use of streets for anyone and everyone no matter how they are traveling, he said The commissioner is especially excited about Bike to Work Day on May 17, as he can register to be recognized for his typical commute.

He presented a proclamation to President of the Berkshire Bike Path Council President Marge Cohan. It states that the city is committed to the health of its citizens and environment, safe cycling with road bike lanes and the extension of the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, and that the Police Department encourages safe cycling by distributing lights and helmets and accompanies the city's Ride Your Bike to School event.

BBPC is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Cohan said the quarter century has been full of commitment to bike paths and bike safety throughout Berkshire County "on roads, on trails, on tracks, and on paths."

"In expanding our mission in this way we have been able to encompass all kinds of cycles and all kinds of riders," she said.

She noted that participants range from babies to 90-year-old people. Bike month includes events for all ages.

View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories