BCC to Hold Workforce CompTIA Security Certification Virtual Trainings

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College's Workforce and Community Education department will hold a CompTIA Security-plus Certification virtual training beginning on March 31.
 
The 13-week training will occur online on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. and run through June 25. Scholarships are available for eligible students. 
 
This training will equip participants with essential cybersecurity skills and prepare them for the CompTIA Security-plus certification exam. This industry-recognized certification validates the ability to secure networks, detect threats, and protect data.  
 
This course is ideal for individuals with CompTIA-plus certifications seeking advancement, information technology professionals looking to specialize in cybersecurity, and anyone working in the IT workforce aiming for career growth. 
 
This is not an introductory course. CompTIA recommends: CompTIA Network-plus and two years' experience working in a security/systems administrator role. 
 
Participants of this training will learn general security concepts and operations, threats, vulnerabilities and mitigations, security architecture and security program management and oversight. 
 
To register for the training, visit www.berkshirecc.edu/workforce. For more information, contact the Workforce and Community Education team at 413-236-2115. 

Tags: BCC,   cyber security,   

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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. 

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