image description — Morgan Goodell, Michael Jordan, Mitchell Maselli and Ranen Rothman with Fire Chief Brent Lefebvre, right, and Deputy Chief Robert Patenaude.

North Adams Swears in Four New Firefighters

Staff Reports05:02AM / Monday, November 14, 2022Print Story | Email Story

Morgan Goodell, a Clarksburg firefighter, is the first woman to join the North Adams department.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Fire Department last week welcomed its newest firefighters, including its first woman.

Morgan Goodell, Michael Jordan, Mitchell Maselli and Ranen Rothman were sworn in at Tuesday's City Council meeting.

They recently graduated from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy's 50-day Career Recruit Firefighting Training Program, all earning certifications in Firefighter 1 and 2.

Mayor Jennifer Macksey asked that they would always have a concern for others and have the strength to bear whatever burdens placed upon them.

"And that you have the strength of mind and body to deliver safety to all of the residents of the city of North Adams," she said.

Macksey introduced each firefighter before they were sworn in by City Clerk Joshua Vallieres and pinned by Fire Chief Brent Lefebvre.

Goodell, of Clarksburg, has an associate's degree in fire science and is a member of the Clarksburg Volunteer Fire Department, following in the steps of her late father, Robert.

Maselli is a North Adams resident who attended Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts; Rothman is a Navy veteran from Rockland and Jordan is originally from Taunton and has most recently been with the Vernon (Conn.) Fire Department.

"I have to say this group has been fantastic. I feel like I went to the academy with all of you," said Macksey. "We had our weekly little chat groups on Sunday evening. I don't know if you miss them or not, but I do.

"I'm very proud of you."

Tags: fire department, recruitment,

iBerkshires.com Text Ads

rk MILES Blding Materials

Are You Ready to Update Your Home? Start With rk MILES. 4 Locations (800)670-7433

www.rkmiles.com

RIBCO Supply

Check out our great lineup of Boss Plows, and spreaders. 2 Locations Clarksburg & Pittsfield!

ribcosupply.com

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

NBSU Committee Open to Discussing Apportionment Changes

By Tammy Daniels iBerkshires Staff
05:12AM / Friday, January 16, 2026

CLARKSBURG, Mass. — Clarksburg's partners in the North Berkshire School Union agreed to take a look at the assessment structure for the union's administration and the union agreement.

Town and school officials have questioned Clarksburg's share of administration costs, which is now more than 50 percent.

Select Board Chair Daniel Haskins presented the "super" NBSU School Committee last week with a proposal of a base contribution of 10 percent for each district except for Monroe, which would be 5 percent, and then a ratio based on enrollment.

"Over my four years on the Select Board, I've observed a steady increase in presented percentage that Clarksburg contributes to the North Berkshire School Union as our student enrollment has grown," he said. "The reason behind this proposed adjustment is straightforward: The North Berkshire School Union provides services for all member towns. These include oversight of the principals, management of school facilities, food services and special education programs."

He also pointed to the state reporting and reviews, preparation of school budgets, and meeting attendance.

"For example, the union is not attending five times as many school committee meetings for Clarksburg as it is for Savoy, nor is it overseeing three additional principals for Florida," he said. "While I fully acknowledge that the NBSU staff does spend more time on Clarksburg-related matters than those of the smaller towns, it is worth asking whether the current ratios accurately reflect the difference."

The five towns of Clarksburg, Florida, Monroe, Rowe and Savoy share the services of central office that includes the superintendent, assistant/special education director, information technology director, business administrator, support staff, supplies and rent and utilities for the space in North Adams.

View Full Story