Longtime Pittsfield Police Officer Passes Suddenly

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Pittsfield Police Department is mourning the sudden loss of a longtime officer.

Chief Thomas Dawley announced the unexpected death of Officer Michael Silver "with great sadness" on Monday. Silver worked for the department for more than 15 years and is remembered as a highly respected member of the force.

The Dawley's post on Facebook stated the department would not release more information and requested privacy for Silver's family.

"Rest in peace Ofc. Michael Silver Call Sign #403, your brothers and sisters in blue will take it from here," he wrote in a Facebook post.


Silver began his career with PPD in 2008 after graduating from the State Police Municipal Academy. He has been a senior tactical operator on the Berkshire County Special Response Team since 2016 and was assigned to the department's traffic unit.

"Ofc. Silver was dedicated to the profession of being a police officer and was highly respected by his peers," Dawley wrote.

Silver briefly served with the Lee Police Department in 2015 and was a certified Municipal Police Training Committee instructor in several areas. He received several letters of commendation and was the recipient of the Weapons Seizure Award and a Drug Buster Award.

Dawley and members of the PPD extended their deepest condolences to the officer's family, friends, and those who knew him.


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Steel Rail Races Return Sunday, Route 8 Motorists Use Caution

Community submission
PITTSFIELD, Mass. – Drivers traveling along Route 8 in Cheshire and Adams should expect delays, lane restrictions, and intermittent closures on Sunday, May 17, due to the MountainOne Steel Rail Races.
 
Local police, race officials, and DPW teams will be coordinating traffic control throughout the morning to ensure runner and driver safety.
 

Race Day Traffic Impacts

• Route 8 Delays — Expect slowed traffic and periodic holds between 6:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. especially near trail access points and designated crossing zones.
 
• Cheshire Center Impacts — Increased pedestrian activity and police?directed traffic near Church St., Farnams Rd., and the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail entrance.
 
• Adams Travel Restrictions — North Adams line through downtown Adams will see rolling closures as runners pass key intersections.
 
• Rail Trail Crossings — Motorists should use caution at all Ashuwillticook Rail Trail crossings; officers will be stationed at high?traffic points.
 

Timing & Areas of Highest Impact

6:30 to 9 a.m.
Marathon and Half Marathon staging creates congestion near Cheshire Elementary School and Rt. 8 trail access.
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