The Rev. Peter Gregory blesses the engine as part of the dedication ceremony.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — After 28 years on the Fire Department, Deputy Chief Michael Polidoro had to retire after being diagnosed with ALS.
He had been a key member of leadership in the department and was viewed as a mentor by most. While he won't jump into the engine when a call comes in, Polidoro's legacy will still respond.
On Monday morning, the Fire Department dedicated Engine 6 to Polidoro and gold lettering now reads "Poly's Pride" above the windshield.
"We felt this was truly fitting to name this truck after somebody who shows such dedication to this department. He's been an inspiration to many of us, a mentor to many of us, and we are very appreciative of everything that he's done throughout his career," Chief Robert Czerwinski said.
Polidoro has had his fingerprints all over this engine -- from working on the design, to developing evaluation criteria, going to build and approval meetings, and when it was delivered in April 2016, training the firefighters on it.
"When Engine 6 rolls out, Poly's Pride will forever be the symbol of what you have left for all of us here in the city of Pittsfield. I am exceedingly grateful," said Mayor Linda Tyer.
Despite battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a neurodegenerative condition often referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease, and retiring two years ago, Polidoro still remains active with the department. He's always willing to lend a hand with anything the department needs. And the members of the department are there for him, too.
"I miss it. But the camaraderie and brotherhood that is maintained with them keeping in touch with me and helping me out throughout my little battle that I'm fighting have been amazing," Polidoro told a large gathering of current and former firefighters with whom he worked.
"It is exactly what I expect from the brotherhood that we have. I only hope I can return it in some way to you folks because I love all of you."
Polidoro was also joined by his family and his son Jason made a trip back from California for the ceremony. Jason Polidoro told the crowd that when he moved, he was given the advice to avoid meeting the "heroes" that he idolized because it would likely lead to disappointment. That advice was easy to follow, he said.
Polidoro was very involved in the procurement of the fire engine.
"It was really easy for me because I have already met my hero. I grew up with him," Jason Polidoro said of his father, which brought tears to the elder Polidoro's eyes.
The dedication had been two years in the making after Polidoro opted not to have a retirement party. Members of the department felt they needed to do something to recognize him.
Capts. Mitch Keller and Neil Myers approached Czerwinski with the idea of naming the engine after Polidoro a few months ago and there was no hesitation. The department organized the ceremony and got the truck lettered as a surprise.
"This has been a very emotional moment in my life, seeing all of the folks that I had the opportunity to work with and my family getting together," Michael Polidoro said.
The Rev. Peter Gregory, who is the department's chaplain, blessed the engine. He said he had known Polidoro personally and holds him in high esteem.
"You life is and continues to be giving much meaning, not only to you but to many of us that you have inspired," Gregory said.
The ceremony featured Tyer and Czerwinski both presenting Polidoro with certificates of appreciation for his work in the department. Czerwinski said his accomplishments were so numerous that "nobody else will come close to what he's done."
"I am in awe of the contributions you have made to this department and this community," Tyer said.
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Flushing of Pittsfield's Water System to Begin
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city of Pittsfield's Department of Public Utilities announces that phase 1 of the flushing of the city's water system will begin Monday, April 22.
Water mains throughout the city will be flushed, through hydrants, over the upcoming weeks to remove accumulations of pipeline corrosion products. Mains will be flushed Monday through Friday each week, except holidays, between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.
The upcoming flushing for April 22 to May 3 is expected to affect the following areas:
Starting at the town line on Dalton Avenue working west through Coltsville including lower Crane Avenue, Meadowview neighborhood, following Cheshire Road north.
Hubbard Avenue and Downing Parkway.
Starting at the town line on East Street working west through the McIntosh and Parkside neighborhoods.
Elm Street neighborhoods west to the intersection of East Street.
Starting at the town line on Williams Street, working west including Mountain Drive,
Ann Drive, East New Lenox Road, and Holmes Road neighborhoods.
Although flushing may cause localized discolored water and reduced service pressure conditions in and around the immediate area of flushing, appropriate measures will be taken to ensure that proper levels of treatment and disinfections are maintained in the system at all times. If residents experience discolored water, they should let the water run for a short period to clear it prior to use.
If discolored water or low-pressure conditions persist, please contact the Water Department at (413) 499-9339.
Flushing is an important operating procedure that contributes significantly to the maintenance of the water quality in the water distribution system.
Having fun on April vacation doesn't have to break the bank. From baby animals to recreational activities and crafts, there is an array of free or low-cost family events happening across the county this week. click for more
On Thursday, the panel approved a notice of intent application for the use of EarthTec QZ within a specified treatment area of the lake.
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Residents mapped out a West Side they would like to see during an input session this week, utilizing multi-use properties to create robust density. click for more