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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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BCAC Offers Free Tax Preparation Services for Eligible Residents

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Community Action Council (BCAC) is offering free tax preparation services through its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program for individuals living or working in Massachusetts with a gross income of $67,000 or less. 
 
The program prioritizes seniors, people with disabilities, and those with limited English proficiency.
 
The VITA program will operate from Feb. 1, 2025, to April 15, 2025, with in-person tax preparation available by appointment only at multiple locations, including BCAC offices in Pittsfield and North Adams.
 
Participants must bring essential documents such as photo identification, Social Security cards, and relevant tax forms. The program will not accept original documents, but copiers are available at BCAC offices.
 
For appointments and more information, residents can call 413-418-3668 or 413-418-3685 for South and Central Berkshire County and 413-663-3014 for Northern Berkshire County.
 
More details are available at www.bcacinc.org.
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