2024 Citizen Pittsfield Police Academy

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Pittsfield Police Department announced the return of the Citizen Police Academy in 2024. 
 
The academy provides an opportunity for individuals to gain a better understanding of department operations and issues and topics effecting modern day policing.
 
The department is seeking interested citizens, volunteers, community-policing partners, local business leaders, and educators. 
 
Class size will be capped at 20 participants.
 
Classes will be held at the Pittsfield Police Department and the Berkshire Innovation Center on Tuesdays from 6:00 to 8:00 PM starting April 30, 2024 through June 4, 2024.
 
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, and live or work in the City of Pittsfield. All applicants will be subject to a criminal history background check, as some prior criminal offenses may be disqualifying.
 
Interested applicants should contact Sgt. Shaun Gariepy, via email, at sgariepy@cityofpittsfield.org with any questions, or to obtain an application and recruiting materials. Applications can also be picked up at the front lobby of the police station.
 
The Deadline to apply is Monday, April 22, 2024.
 
Applications should be submitted to Sgt. Gariepy in-person at PPD Headquarters, via email at sgariepy@cityofpittsfield.org, or via USPS to 39 Allen Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201.
 
Those not selected for the current session will be placed on an eligibility list to attend the next scheduled class.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Possible Measles Exposure at Boston, Logan

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health confirmed Wednesday that an out-of-state adult visitor who spent time in Boston and Westborough earlier this month was diagnosed with measles and was present in a number of locations.
 
This could have resulted in other people being exposed to measles virus.
 
The visitor arrived at Logan International Airport on American Airlines flight 2384 from Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, on Dec. 11 at 2:39 p.m. They stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston-Westborough in Westborough and departed the state on Dec. 12 via Logan at 9:19 p.m. on JetBlue flight 117 to Las Vegas.
 
DPH is working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local partners to identify and notify those who may have been exposed to measles from this individual.
 
"Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease, which has increased significantly in the United States because of the unfortunate decrease in vaccination rates. It is also a preventable disease," said Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein. "This current situation serves as an important reminder of the critical role vaccination plays in protecting our communities. While Massachusetts has not had a measles case this year, 2025 saw the highest number of nationwide cases in more than a decade — nearly 2,000 in 44 jurisdictions, and sadly, three deaths. 
 
"Fifteen years ago, measles had been considered eliminated in the United States, but that tremendous progress is at risk. Vaccines are one of the most important public health interventions ever — they are safe, effective, and lifesaving."
 
Measles is very contagious. However, the risk to most people in Massachusetts is low because the vaccination rate in the state is high. People who are not immune and visited any of the locations on the following dates and times may be at risk for developing measles.
 
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