image description
Trooper Brian Clay, Officer Samuel Stolzar, Sgt. Adam Carlotto, Chief William Walsh and firefighter Richard Aloisi.

Great Barrington Police Presents Medals of Valor

Print Story | Email Story

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

Tags: first responders,   recognition event,   

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

Possible Measles Exposure at Boston, Logan

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.
 
View Full Story

More Great Barrington Stories