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Owner of Pittsfield Veterinary Hospital Dies in Kayaking Incident

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RICHMOND, Mass. — The Berkshire State Police Detective Unit is investigating the apparent accidental death of a John Reynolds, owner of Pittsfield Veterinary Hospital
 
Reynolds, 58 of Richmond, died Thursday at Berkshire Medical Center after his kayak overturned in Richmond Pond.
 
At approximately 7:05 a.m. Berkshire County Dispatch received a 911 call reporting an individual in Richmond Pond calling for assistance. Troopers assigned to the State Police Lee Barracks, Richmond Fire, Stockbridge Fire, West Stockbridge Fire, Berkshire County Sheriff's Office, Action Ambulance, and County Ambulance responded for an attempted rescue.
 
Firefighters with the Stockbridge Fire Department rescued Reynolds from the water and immediately administered CPR. Action Ambulance transported Reynolds to Berkshire Medical Center, where doctors and nurses attempted to save Reynolds' life.
 
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner took custody of the body for further examination. The early evidence suggests that the death was accidental. The Berkshire State Police Detective Unit's investigation is ongoing.
 
The Berkshire Humane Society took to Facebook to share their condolences: 
 
"Ever since Dr. Reynolds established his practice in Pittsfield in 1996, he has been a friend of Berkshire Humane Society. In 2012 he became a member of our board of directors and in 2016 we named him our Volunteer of the Year. We will miss Dr. Reynolds on so many levels -- his compassion to animals, his veterinary prowess, his leadership on our board, his service to community, his vision and foresight and most of all, his friendship. Our deepest condolences to the Reynolds family and employees of Pittsfield Veterinary Hospital/Shaker Hill Pet Resort."

 


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Pittsfield Police Chief Retiring in January

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Police Chief Thomas Dawley will retire next month after 24 years with the Pittsfield Police Department, and the mayor will appoint his successor. 

Dawley's last day will be on Jan. 9, and he told iBerkshires that it was "just time." He began his law enforcement career in 1995 at the Berkshire County House of Corrections and was appointed police chief in June 2024

"Reasons for leaving are cumulative. I have been in law enforcement for almost 30 years. There is no particular reason for my retirement, I just feel that it is time," he wrote in an email. 

"I love the profession and love this department. The duties, responsibilities and obligations as a Chief are very demanding. It is a lifestyle, not a job. It is a 24/7–365 days a year responsibility." 

According to The Berkshire Eagle, Dawley told Mayor Peter Marchetti of his intention to retire back in April but had kept the decision quiet. Marchetti is expected to choose his successor in the next couple of weeks. 

Dawley, 52, was "honored and humbled" when he was chosen two years ago to succeed Michael Wynn, he said, and he misses being an officer out in the community, as the role of chief is more administrative by nature. He described the officers and civilian staff at the department as "the best of the best" and is proud of the "second to none" dedication, professionalism, and commitment they bring to work every day. 

"Policing is different than it was 10-20 years ago and the profession is being tested daily," he noted. 

"I want a new challenge and preferably something that does not involve law enforcement, but I am definitely not ruling it out!" 

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