BCC Announces Addition of Three Free Healthcare Courses

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC) announces the addition of three grant-funded courses in the healthcare arena: Medical Interpreter Training, Community Health Worker and Phlebotomy Technician. 
 
Spaces are limited but still available for all three courses, which are tuition-free. 
 
"We are thrilled to offer to the community these grant-funded programs, which will help fill the workforce gap in Berkshire County," said Tiffany Moreno, Instructional Program Manager: Health & Wellness. "The programs, which can be completed in one year or less, will provide the skills required for immediate entry into high-demand jobs." 
 
The free courses are: 
 
Medical Interpreter Training: January 19-April 27, 2023, Thursdays 6-9 pm and Saturdays 8:30-11:30 am.
A medical interpreter is someone who can break language barriers by using their linguistic skills to provide medical interpreting services to patients and medical professionals. This program provides hybrid (classroom and online) instruction. Participants build on interpreting skills, acquire knowledge specific to anatomy and psychology, develop terminology focused on the human body and more. Students must be fluent in both English and a second language. 
 
Community Health Worker, February 2-May 18, 2023, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6-9 pm.
The Community Health Worker program provides training for public health workers to serve as advocates and liaisons between traditionally underserved populations and health/social service providers. This program benefits anyone interested in exploring
educational and career pathways in community health, human services, healthcare or public health. 
 
Phlebotomy Technician, February 7-May 2, 2023, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6-9 pm.
A phlebotomist is a medical professional who is trained to collect blood from both children and adults. They perform and prepare blood for testing so that it may be analyzed in a medical laboratory. This program provides hybrid (classroom and online) instruction. Instructors will discuss real life scenarios and provide the tools needed for success in the field. 

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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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