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Ciccolo Case Still on Track for June Trial

By Stephen DravisiBerkshires Staff
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SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Attorneys in the case of an Adams man accused of violating federal terrorism statutes say they are still communicating about a possible plea deal but told the judge to anticipate using the scheduled June 18 trial date.
 
Judge Mark G. Mastroianni on Wednesday held a brief status conference in the case of the United States v. Alexander Ciccolo, who was arrested on July 4, 2015, and subsequently indicted on one count of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization and one count of attempting to use of weapons of mass destruction.
 
On Wednesday, Ciccolo's attorney, David Hoose of Northampton, told Mastroianni that he continues to discuss a plea in the case with the U.S. Attorney.
 
"I think all I can say is we're continuing to communicate and explore a possible resolution," Hoose said. "But it's our mutual suggestion the court assume it's going to go to trial on the date selected."
 
Mastroianni asked the attorneys to submit to him suggested questions for a questionnaire that will be sent out to prospective jurors.
 
"I imagine we'll be using a larger pool than usual," Mastroianni said, and he suggested that a confidential survey completed and returned by mail could help narrow the pool before selection begins in court.
 
He also asked the attorneys to keep him apprised of any potential deals in the case.
 
"It goes without saying that if there is any development in the case that would short-circuit a trial, bring that to my attention," Mastroianni said. "There is some added level of work with the clerk's office in arranging such a large number of jurors to come in.
 
"Other than that … I'm looking forward to the trial." 

Tags: #berkshireterror,   ciccolo,   

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Adams Fire Approves 'Support Person' Policy

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
ADAMS, Mass. — The Fire District has established the role of "support person" in its policies to allow  firefighters age 65 and older to continue service, but with restrictions.
 
The Prudential Committee has discussed this topic over the course of several meetings after four Dalton firefighters, including the interim chief, had to retire because of the state mandate. 
 
The policy is one of the steps the committee has pursued to address the situation previously described as "devastating to the department."
 
If enforced, it would have immediately dismissed five of the company's members, a trend that would continue upwards over the course of five to seven years, officials previously said.
 
After correspondence with the district's attorney and several revisions, the committee approved the policy at its meeting last week. 
 
The policy dictates that any member of the Fire Department who is 65 or older will be considered a "support member," permitted to perform ground-level exterior duties, emergency medical service duties, vehicle operations, communications and air supply.
 
Upon reaching the age of 65, they will be required to turn in all fire gear and will respond to calls wearing the department-issued raincoat or vest. The chief engineer may issue other non-firefighter equipment. 
 
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