Dalton Fire Chief Hired But Name Will Be Released at Later Date

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
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DALTON, Mass.—After a long search the Dalton Fire District has hired its new fire chief. 
 
"The district has gone through an exhaustive search looking for a new chief to replace Jim Peltier that was released in mid-summer. We feel that the new chief will bring the department together," Fire District Chair James Driscoll said. 
 
However, for now, the name of the new chief is being withheld because the district first wants to communicate with department staff before announcing it to the public, said Driscoll.
 
The district combed through 15 applications for the position and finally landed on one that they felt was a good fit. 
 
"We feel he has a lot of common sense and knowledge in the fire department and in the running of the fire department and hopefully everything will work out from this point forward," Driscoll said.
 
Driscoll said the district does plan to hold a swearing-in ceremony the first week of February. The exact date has yet to be determined. 
 
Retired Pittsfield Fire Chief Robert Czerwinski , who agreed agreed to act as interim chief until a new one could be found, will remain with the department until the new chief takes over.
 
The district has been searching for a new fire chief since May after the previous chief, James Peltier, was placed on administrative leave and subsequently fired.  
 
Since then they have gone through three interim chiefs. 
 
Chris Cachat was initially selected as the interim chief but went on to retire before a new chief could be found. 
 
Corey Wilcox took his place but could only do it for a limited time period because he had already accepted a position at the Pittsfield Fire Department. 
 
Czerwinski has been in charge since.
 
 
 
 
 

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Dalton Public Safety Facility Advisory Committee Reviews Sites for New Location

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass.—The Public Safety Facility Advisory Committee is reviewing potential sites to possibly include in its feasibility study. 
 
Committee members limited the number of properties for the feasibility study review to four but will include a provision in its request for quotes to have a price for evaluating additional properties if that becomes needed. 
 
The committee originally considered six sites: the old Dalton Garage, 197 Main St., 450 West Housatonic St., 11 Cleveland Rd., 134 East Housatonic St., and 339 North Street. 
 
During the committee's meeting last week, it was announced that the old Dalton Garage is no longer an option, the reason was not explained. 
 
However, committee member Dave Martindale presented three additional properties for consideration: the bank lot on South Carson Ave. and some of the First Congregational Church property. 
 
Martindale said he spoke to the owner Greg Schnopp who said he would consider a deal. As a contractor, he can build the place to suit the department but the committee will have to conduct a feasibility study to determine if that site is even close to being large enough.
 
The Congregational Church has offices in the basement with a walkout and some offices on the second floor on the south end available for rent. 
 
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