District Attorney's Office Elder Fraud Program

08:31AM / Monday, September 30, 2024Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — On Thursday, Oct. 3, the Berkshire District Attorney's Office will host a workshop focused on senior citizen fraud.

The event includes the US Department of Justice; the United States Postal Inspection Service; the Department of the Treasury; the Federal Bureau of Investigations; and the US Attorney's Office.

There is one session in North County from 10-11:30 at All Saints Episcopal Church at 59 Summer Street, North Adams, and a second presentation in Central/South County from 2-3:30 at the Lenox Town Hall, 6 Walker Street, Lenox. The is free and open to all senior citizens and community providers that serve senior citizens. There will be another presentation of this kind in the Spring.

To register, people can call the Berkshire District Attorney's Office, Kathye DeWitt-Allen 413-443-5951 Ext. 251.

Senior fraud crimes are on the rise in Berkshire County. This program will help instruct our senior population on the most common frauds occurring right now as well as proactive measures they can take to stay safe.

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Pittsfield Firefighters to Participate in BFit Challenge

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
05:11AM / Tuesday, January 13, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Some of the city's firefighters are gearing up for the 10th annual BFit Challenge.

Every year, members of the department travel to Boston to climb the stairs at TD Garden in support of the New England Fire Cancer Fund. First responders, military members, and other community members each raise $300 to participate in the event, powered by National Grid and hosted by the Boston Bruins.

This year's challenge set for Jan. 26 has already raised more than $1 million.

For the second year in a row, Jason Smegal, owner of J Smegal Roofing and Gutters, donated $10,000 to support the fund.

"We designate our funds that we raise to firefighter cancer that goes through the PFFM, which is the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts, and 100 percent of the funds go directly to either supporting the cause, pre-screening ...," said Capt. Robert Leary.

This is Leary's sixth year participating. He said the fundraiser is important and that hits close to home donating to PFFM, recognizing how his colleagues have been affected after 29 years as a firefighter.

Firefighter are at risk of being exposed to toxic chemicals such as fuels, burning materials and particulate matter which may be carcinogens.

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