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Pittsfield First-Responders Recognized for Lifesaving Efforts on Infant

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.

New Camp Is Safe Place for Children Suffering Loss to Addiction

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
06:26AM / Saturday, December 27, 2025

Last year's Happy Campers courtesy of Max Tabakin.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A new camp is offering a safe place for children who have lost a parent or guardian to addiction. 

 

Director Gayle Saks founded the nonprofit "Camp Happy Place" last year. The first camp was held in June with 14 children.

 

Saks is a licensed drug and alcohol counselor who works at the Brien Center. One of her final projects when studying was how to involve youth, and a camp came to mind. Camp had been her "happy place" growing up, and it became her dream to open her own.

 

"I keep a bucket list in my wallet, and it's right on here on this list, and I cross off things that I've accomplished," she said. "But it is the one thing on here that I knew I had to do."

 

The overnight co-ed camp is held at a summer camp in Winsted, Conn., where Saks spent her summers as a child. It is four nights and five days and completely free. Transportation is included as are many of the items needed for camping. The camp takes up to 30 children.

 

"I really don't think there's any place that exists specifically for this population. I think it's important to know, we've said this, but that it is not a therapeutic camp," Saks said.

 

She said the focus is on fun for the children, though they are able to talk to any of the volunteer and trained staff. The staff all have experience in social work, addiction and counseling, and working with children.