Great Barrington Police Officers Jonathan Finnerty, Jason LaForest and Stockbridge Police Officer Donald Hopkins.
GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The Police Department on Tuesday recognized several officers and other first responders for their bravery and commitment to public safety.
In February, Police Officers Jonathan Finnerty and Jason LaForest, along with Stockbridge Police Officer Donald Hopkins, responded to a domestic incident in which the alleged aggressor was intoxicated and threatening violence against the officers.
Following a 40-minute effort to get the suspect to come down from a perch where he had positioned himself, armed with an ax that he later threw at them, the officers were able to successfully take him into custody without further incident. As a result of their efforts, all three were awarded the Great Barrington Police Department's Medal of Valor
Also honored at the ceremony were Sgt. Adam Carlotto, Officer Samuel Stolzar, Massachusetts State Trooper Brian Clay and firefighter Richard Aloisi, who all risked their own safety last December by entering a burning home multiple times in an effort to rescue a resident who was trapped inside.
For their work, the Great Barrington officers and state trooper were awarded the department's Medal of Valor, while Aloisi was awarded the department's Letter of Appreciation.
"Each of these individuals earned these honors by going above and beyond the call of duty and put their lives on while helping to protect the lives of members of the public," Police Chief William Walsh said. "They all displayed tremendous courage and commitment to protecting their community, and I am proud of them all."
Recently retired Reserve Officer Richard Congdon was also recognized for his 18 years of service to the town.
"Officer Congdon was a valuable member of the department and an incredibly competent officer who will be missed," Walsh said.
The Great Barrington Police Department also awarded three citizens with Certificates of Appreciation for their support of the department:
Sandra Lopez
Jane Aredale, president and CEO of Aredale Minerals and Cosmetics
Southern Berkshire Emergency Medical Services and its president, James Santos
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Health Systems (BHS) announced that three of its primary care provider clinics have received awards from Massachusetts Health Quality Partners (MHQP) for being among the top practices in Massachusetts for patient experience in primary care.
The "MHQP Patient Experience Awards" is an annual awards program introduced in 2018 by MHQP, a non-profit measurement and reporting organization that works to improve the quality of patient care experiences in Massachusetts. MHQP conducts the only statewide survey of patient experience in primary care in Massachusetts.
"The teams at Adams Internists, Berkshire Internists and Lenox Family Health have worked extremely hard to provide their patients with the highest standard of compassionate, patient-centered care," said James Lederer, MD, BHS Chief Medical Officer and Chief Quality Officer. "Berkshire Health Systems is pleased by this recognition, which validates that our patients are receiving the quality communication, care, and support that they deserve, which is our highest priority."
Awards were given to top overall performers in adult primary care and pediatrics in each of nine performance categories. Adams Internists of BMC, Berkshire Internists of BMC and Lenox Family Health Center of BMC received recognition for the following awards for adult care:
Adams Internists of BMC: Distinction in Assessment of Patient Behavioral Health Issues
Berkshire Internists of BMC: Distinction in Patient-Provider Communications and How Well Providers Know Their Patients
Lenox Family Health Center of BMC: Distinction in Patient-Provider Communications and Office Staff Professional Experience
"It is not easy for a primary care practice to thrive in the current environment," said Barbra Rabson, MHQP's President and CEO. "We are thrilled to congratulate each of them on behalf of their patients for their exceptional commitment to excellence."
"Primary care is the foundation of our health care system," said Julita Mir, MD, MHQP's Board Chair. "The practices from all across the state recognized with this award have distinguished themselves where it matters most – in the experiences of their own patients."
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