image description — An escort of first responders, Legionnaires and local officials accompanied the late Air Force Staff Sgt. Jacob Galliher from Westover Air Force Base to Dery Funeral Home in Pittsfield on Friday.

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Pittsfield Turns Out for Somber Homecoming for Galliher

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
08:54PM / Friday, December 15, 2023Print Story | Email Story

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."

The welcome home was a combination of efforts from the family, service members, and the city.

"I am in awe just at the number of people that have turned out to be here to welcome him home," Marchetti said.

Resident Carl Rose, whose son played football with Galliher, said he was a great man, a great father, and a great person to have a conversation with. He also noted that Galliher was a talented athlete.

"So I'm here to show my respect for him and his family and represent Taconic High School alumni," he said while wearing the high school's hat.

The wake for Galliher will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 19, from 2 to 6 at St. Agnes' Church in Dalton. A funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, Dec. 20, at 11 a.m. also at St. Agnes.

The funeral will be livestreamed on the church's website, www.saintagnescc.com.

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Possible Measles Exposure at Boston, Logan

12:05PM / Wednesday, December 24, 2025

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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