PreviousNext

Pittsfield Turns Out for Somber Homecoming for Galliher

American flags were available at the Colonial Theatre and several other spots along the route. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The streets were somber and red, white and blue on Friday evening as community members welcomed Air Force Staff Sgt. Jacob Galliher home.

"I think Pittsfield is proving what it's always been," Mayor-elect Peter Marchetti said. "When there is a tragedy or when there is a need to rally together, Pittsfield rallies together and it makes me proud to be a Pittsfielder today."

Galliher, 24, was killed on Nov. 29 when the Osprey aircraft he was on crashed off the coast of Japan along with seven other crew members. The Taconic High School graduate left behind his wife, Ivy, and 2-year-old and 6-week-old sons.

Members of the Pittsfield Police and Fire departments, the Berkshire County Sheriff's Office, the State Police, and the Dalton American Legion Riders escorted him home from Westover Air Force Base along a route through Lee, Lenox, and Pittsfield. Gov. Maura Healey had planned to meet the family at Westover. 

At various locations in the city, people stood with flags and tears in their eyes as the long procession passed by. Hundreds gathered in front of the Colonial Theatre alone.

Mayor Linda Tyer was in procession of some 60 vehicles along with other local officials.

"I sincerely hope that we have given Jacob the hero's homecoming that he deserves," she said "While we can never truly know the magnitude of their heartbreak, we want Jacob's family to know that we stand with them in their grief."

Dalton Board Signs Off on Land Sale Over Residents' Objections

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:50AM / Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Residents demanded the right to speak but the agenda did not include public comment. Amy Musante holds a sign saying the town now as '$20,000 less for a police station.'

DALTON, Mass. — The Select Board signed the sale on the last of what had been known as the Bardin property Monday even as a handful of residents demanded the right to speak against the action. 

 

The quitclaim deed transfers the nine acres to Thomas and Esther Balardini, who purchased the two other parcels in Dalton. They were the third-highest bidders at $31,500. Despite this, the board awarded them the land in an effort to keep the property intact.

 

"It's going to be an ongoing battle but one I think that has to be fought [because of] the disregard for the taxpayers," said Dicken Crane, the high bidder at $51,510.

 

"If it was personal I would let it go, but this affects everyone and backing down is not in my nature." 

 

Crane had appealed to the board to accept his bid during two previous meetings. He and others opposed to accepting the lower bid say it cost the town $20,000. After the meeting, Crane said he will be filing a lawsuit and has a citizen's petition for the next town meeting with over 100 signatures. 

 

Three members of the board — Chair Robert Bishop Jr., John Boyle, and Marc Strout — attended the 10-minute meeting. Members Anthony Pagliarulo and Daniel Esko previously expressed their disapproval of the sale to the Balardinis. 

 

Pagliarulo voted against the sale but did sign the purchase-and-sale agreement earlier this month. His reasoning was the explanation by the town attorney during an executive session that, unlike procurement, where the board is required to accept the lowest bid for services, it does have some discretion when it comes to accepting bids in this instance.