Lenco Named Employer of the Year by MassHire

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — MassHire has recently recognized Lenco Armored Vehicles, the leading designer and manufacturer of tactical armored security vehicles for law enforcement, fire and rescue and government entities worldwide, was named MassHire’s manufacturing employer of the year

"Lenco Armored Vehicles has been a strong supporter of MassHire’s efforts from the start," said Sara Milano, industry training consultant at MassHire Berkshire Workforce Board. "It is with great pleasure that we award Lenco Armored Vehicles as manufacturing employer of the year for their support and consistent efforts in promoting the manufacturing sector in the Berkshires." 

Lenco was selected for their active engagement with MassHire workforce efforts, including providing company tours, work-based learning experiences for local students, and for providing opportunities to get people across Massachusetts back to work. Their pipeline, recruitment and retention efforts are applauded.  

"We are so honored to be named employer of the year by the MassHire Berkshire Workforce Board," said Lenny Light, Vice President, Lenco Armored Vehicles. "This recognition reflects Lenco’s deep commitment to its employees and belief that our people are the key to our success. As we continue to grow the Lenco family, we look forward to building our team of dedicated and talented professionals who share our pride in and passion for the products we produce." 

Dalton Board Signs Off on Land Sale Over Residents' Objections

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:50AM / Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Residents demanded the right to speak but the agenda did not include public comment. Amy Musante holds a sign saying the town now as '$20,000 less for a police station.'

DALTON, Mass. — The Select Board signed the sale on the last of what had been known as the Bardin property Monday even as a handful of residents demanded the right to speak against the action. 

 

The quitclaim deed transfers the nine acres to Thomas and Esther Balardini, who purchased the two other parcels in Dalton. They were the third-highest bidders at $31,500. Despite this, the board awarded them the land in an effort to keep the property intact.

 

"It's going to be an ongoing battle but one I think that has to be fought [because of] the disregard for the taxpayers," said Dicken Crane, the high bidder at $51,510.

 

"If it was personal I would let it go, but this affects everyone and backing down is not in my nature." 

 

Crane had appealed to the board to accept his bid during two previous meetings. He and others opposed to accepting the lower bid say it cost the town $20,000. After the meeting, Crane said he will be filing a lawsuit and has a citizen's petition for the next town meeting with over 100 signatures. 

 

Three members of the board — Chair Robert Bishop Jr., John Boyle, and Marc Strout — attended the 10-minute meeting. Members Anthony Pagliarulo and Daniel Esko previously expressed their disapproval of the sale to the Balardinis. 

 

Pagliarulo voted against the sale but did sign the purchase-and-sale agreement earlier this month. His reasoning was the explanation by the town attorney during an executive session that, unlike procurement, where the board is required to accept the lowest bid for services, it does have some discretion when it comes to accepting bids in this instance.