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Firefighter Nicholas Teti, left, Fire Chief Thomas Sammons, firefighter Craig Eggleston and Fire Capt. Matthew Packard after a presentation of certificates at the City Council meeting.
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Police Officer Shaun Courtney poses for a photo.

Pittsfield First-Responders Recognized for Lifesaving Efforts on Infant

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
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Chief Thomas Sammons congratulates one of the EMTs who responded to the emergency involving an infant last fall. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Multiple first responders were recognized for performing lifesaving measures on an infant in November.

Tuesday's City Council meeting began with Lifesaving Awards to three paramedics, three firefighters, and four police officers. The first responders were recognized for their actions on Nov. 22 "where life-saving measures were performed on an infant."

While not much information can be released, Fire Chief Thomas Sammons said the incident was "one of those calls people will never forget." 

He described it as a "low frequency, high stress" incident and that everybody who responded gave it their all and did a fantastic job.

"The outcomes are the outcomes but when people work that hard together, it should be recognized," he said.

Awards were given to paramedics Joseph Carpenter, Matt Williams and Haley Duffy; fire Capt. Matthew Packard, Firefighters Craig Eggleston and Nicholas Teti; Police Officers Robert Horne, James Sena and Shaun Courtney, and Police Sgt. Ryan Williams.



City staff, family, and friends applauded each first responder in Council Chambers.

Sammons said this kind of call puts everybody to the test.

"Captain Packard of the Fire Department sent me a letter the next day after the call explaining the call, what happened, and that the way that everybody worked together, he felt needed recognition," the chief said, adding that he absolutely agreed.

 


Tags: first responders,   recognition event,   

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Victim in Fatal Dragging Identified as Pittsfield Man

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Police are searching for a suspect in a fatal hit-and-run on Tuesday. 
 
The victim was identified on Wednesday as William S. Colbert, 69, of Pittsfield.
 
His body was found nearly four miles away from where he was reportedly struck. 
 
The initial report was that someone was in the road, possibly struck by a motor vehicle, at the intersection of Linden Street and Francis Avenue at about 11:33 p.m.
 
According to the report filed by Sgt. David Hallas, officers were unable to locate either a victim or a vehicle at the intersection. They spoke with witnesses and canvassed the area. 
 
They found him in the road in the 1350 block of West Housatonic Street near the Best Western hotel. 
 
The victim was deceased. 
 
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