Man Killed by Freight Train in Pittsfield

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A man was struck and killed by a westbound freight train on the railroad tracks near The Big Y Supermarket in Pittsfield. 
 
The incident occurred on March 12, 2025, at approximately 6:22 pm. 
 
Two men were observed walking westbound on the tracks as the train approached. The train operator attempted to warn them with the train's horn. One man avoided the collision, but the other was struck and sustained life-threatening injuries. He was transported to BMC by Action Ambulance, where he later died.
 
The deceased's name is being withheld until family notifications are complete. The second individual left the scene before emergency responders arrived and has not been identified.
 
The Pittsfield Police Department, Pittsfield Fire Department, and Action Ambulance responded to the scene.

Tags: accident,   

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Pittsfield Mayor Offers Police Chief Position to Unnamed Candidate

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A candidate has been offered the police chief position, and their name will be announced at an upcoming press conference. 

On Thursday, Mayor Peter Marchetti's office confirmed that an offer has been made for Thomas Dawley's successor.  The person has not been named, nor the date of the press conference. 

iBerkshires.com will provide coverage on that day. 

"The Mayor has made an offer to a candidate and that name will be released at an upcoming press conference," Director of Administrative Services and Public Information Officer Catherine VanBramer wrote via email. 

The mayor's office was unable to provide details about the chief's salary at this point, because they are working to finalize a contract, VanBramer said. 

Police Chief Thomas Dawley announced his intent to retire late last year after 24 years with the Pittsfield Police Department. He was appointed the interim police chief in June 2023 and permanent chief a year later. 

Marchetti was charged with appointing the new chief, and Capt. Marc Strout has led the department in the interim.  

In the fall, he requested that a Civil Service assessment be conducted for a new chief, and two candidates took the test. 

The two candidates who took the police chief exam in December were Lt. Marc Maddalena and Capt. John Murphy.

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