Dalton - On Sunday, June 25, at 1 p.m., the Wahconah Country Club hosted the members of the Dalton Firemen's Association. The association held a surprise open house in honor of retiring Fire Chief Hubert "Teddy" White. The event included family members, fire chiefs from Berkshire and Hampton counties, along with state and town officials.
White is a 1964 graduate of Wahconah regional High School. White spent 31 years as a full-time researcher and developer for Crane & Co.. It was there, in fact, where his co-workers encouraged him to volunteer for the fire department.
He joined the Dalton Fire Department in 1977. He made his way up the officers' ladder, from lieutenant to captain. In 1996, White became fire chief. In addition to his role as chief, he has also taught the Berkshire County Fire Recruit classes, led training sessions and drills, and was a trainer in Dalton for 10 years.
At the event, there was a special toast in rememberance of White's late wife, Mary Ellen White.
One of the first speakers was Region 5 Massachusetts Call-Volunteer Firefighters Association Vice-president Paul Vallone. He presented White with a Helmet Award for White's 29 years of service. Ornage Fire Department Chief Dennis Annear presented White with plaques from the New England Fire Chiefs Association and Fire Chiefs Association of Massachusetts.
Amherst Fire Department Chief Keith Hoyle, who is also the president of the Western Massachusetts Fire Chiefs Association, presented White with a pin and a "Silver Trumpet" for his retirement.
Great Barrington Fire Chief Harry Jennings, also the president of the Berkshire County Fire Chiefs Association, presented White with plaques from the berkshire County Fire Chiefs Association and the Great Barrington Fire Department in honor of White's years of service.
Additional speakers included Chief John Bartels of the Dalton Police Association, Dave Beaudin of the State Fire Marshal's Office, state Rep. Dennis Guyer, Dalton Selectman Tom Szepaniak, who is also with the Office of the State Auditor, Chief Steve Duffy of the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, and Dalton Firemens Association President Scott Casella.
On Friday, June 23, White officially retired and Rick Karasen became the new fire chief. Christopher Cachat will step into the role of assistant chief.
A moving moment occurred when Chief Kardasen and retired Assistant Chief Dick Olsted presented White with two beautiful white fire chief helmets.
Paul Vallone is a member of the Clarksburg Volunteer Fire Department and a correspondent for the 1st Responder News Internet web site. A version of this article first appeared at the organization's www.1stresponders.com site. Photos may be viewed at http://members.tripod.com/fire-photo-service/index.html and scrolling to "Special Events" and then click on link for Teddy White's retirement party.
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DALTON, Mass. — Berkshire Money Management (BMM) announced that Financial Advisor PJ Gagne, AIF has joined the firm.
He brings a grounded, values-based approach to financial planning, helping professionals and business owners in their 50s and 60s answer financial questions and move toward retirement with clarity and confidence.
Gagne specializes in guiding clients through decisions—such as when to take Social Security, how to protect their children's future, and how to turn a lifetime of hard work into long-term financial security. His collaborative planning style helps clients understand their best-case scenarios while preparing for uncertainties.
"PJ's ability to simplify complex decisions and help clients move forward confidently makes him a tremendous addition to our team," said Allen Harris, Founder and CEO of Berkshire Money Management. "His expertise will support our continued growth as we expand services across the region and open our new Williamstown office."
As the firm announced earlier this year, BMM's newest location at 136 Water Street, Williamstown will be open by appointment later this month.
Gagne lives in South Hadley with his wife, their children, and pets. He enjoys home projects, coaching soccer, and time with family. He holds a BA in Economics from Fairfield University and is an Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF).
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Prior's graduation from the academy is anticipated for mid-December, followed by a few months of field training before he can work independently, likely by February click for more
