Police Officer Chelsea Eichstedt, center, with her colleagues after being commended for her actions in saving a choking resident. Left, Eichstedt gets a hug from Police Chief Deanna Strout; right, Eichstedt poses with her family.
DALTON, Mass. — Police Officer Chelsea Eichstedt received a commendation and a life-saving award during the Select Board meeting on Monday for her professionalism and empathy demonstrated during a call on Feb. 4.
Eichstedt was dispatched to the home of a 39-year-old man with Down syndrome who was choking.
She successfully cleared his airway using the Heimlich maneuver, and his mother expressed appreciation for how Eichstedt handled the frightening situation with empathy.
According to the mother, "You spoke with him on his level and informed him about everything you were going to do," Police Chief Deanna Strout said in reading the commendation.
"You even told him you were going to give him a big hug so he would understand what it would feel like. According to his mom, she was so grateful because you treated him as a person."
Strout said Eichstedt not only handled herself with professionalism and competence but also used empathy and kindness to add her successful resolution.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
Your Comments
iBerkshires.com welcomes critical, respectful dialogue. Name-calling, personal attacks, libel, slander or foul language is not allowed. All comments are reviewed before posting and will be deleted or edited as necessary.
No Comments
Pittsfield Man Pleads Guilty to 2025 Assault, Firearm Charges
Staff ReportsiBerkshires
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A city man is facing up to nine years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple assault and firearm charges from last year.
The Berkshire District Attorney's Office has reported that on Thursday, Oct. 15, Jarvis L. Chadwell Jr., 20, pleaded guilty to 10 charges and was sentenced to 7 to 9 years in state prison following an incident on Oct. 18, 2025.
Police say that he fired a gun multiple times in a vehicle over an argument, striking the car and nearby home.
"This incident was not just alarming because there was gun violence, but also because it occurred in such close proximity to a school. I will not waver on my stance towards gun violence in our community — gun violence must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," District Attorney Timothy Shugrue said.
"While I am committed to supporting those who need our help with recovery options and courts of hope, we must also protect our children and communities from the threat of violence that can claim lives in an instant. I commend the Pittsfield Police for their response and dedication to quickly solving this crime."
This occurred near Morningside Community School, which was retired at the end of the last academic year.
Charges:
armed assault with intent to murder
attempted assault & battery by discharging a firearm
witness intimidation
malicious destruction of property
resisting arrest
assault and battery on a police officer
illegal possession of a firearm
illegal possession of a large capacity feeding device
possession of ammunition without a firearm identification card
possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony
Probation conditions include a mental health evaluation and aftercare; sign any releases required by probation; and refrain from abuse of the named victim, including threats of violence.
Pittsfield Police responded to a ShotSpotter activation at 65 Cherry St. just before 1 a.m. on that day in 2025. Upon arrival, police say witnesses confirmed hearing a gunshot and observing a man fleeing the area.
"While outside the 65 Cherry Street residence, officers observed a vehicle parked near the neighboring residence with a bullet hole in the windshield and an additional bullet hole in the side of 67 Cherry Street. Based on witness descriptions at the scene, law enforcement was able to quickly locate the Defendant within 30 minutes of the incident," a press release from the DA reads.
The visit coincides with the center’s ongoing efforts to create a cybersecurity training and testing facility, supported by $735,000 in federal funding secured by Neal. click for more
Berkshire County has unique needs and approaches to address mental health in the community–something mental health professionals and local officials highlighted to Health Secretary Kiame Mahaniah during his visit to Pittsfield. click for more
The play is simple: A simple cast (two actors), a simple set (two chairs, a glass-topped table, an overhead light, a door leading nowhere). There are no theatrics. click for more