Pittsfield Citizen Police Academy

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Pittsfield Police Department announced the Spring 2026 session of the Citizen Police Academy. 
 
The academy provides an opportunity for individuals to gain a better understanding of department operations and issues and topics affecting modern day policing, stated a press release.
 
The department is seeking interested citizens, volunteers, community-policing partners, local business leaders, students and educators to apply for this exciting opportunity. Class size will be capped at 20 participants.
 
Classes will be held at various locations including the Pittsfield Police Department and Berkshire Community College on Wednesday evenings from 5:30 to 8:00 PM starting April 29 through June 17, 2026.
 
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, and live or work in the City of Pittsfield. All applicants will be subject to a criminal history background check, as some prior criminal offenses may be disqualifying.
 
Interested applicants should contact Sgt. Shaun Gariepy via email at sgariepy@pittsfieldma.gov with any questions, or to obtain an application.
 
Applications can also be picked up at the front lobby of the Pittsfield Police Department
 
The Deadline to apply is Friday, April 17, 2026.
 
Applications can be dropped off at PPD Headquarters, emailed to sgariepy@pittsfieldma.gov, or mailed to Sgt. Gariepy at 39 Allen Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Those not selected for the current session will be placed on an eligibility list to attend the next scheduled class.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Bianchi-Barbarotta Foundation Holds Awards Banquet

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. -- The Bianchi-Barbarotta Foundation Friday honored outstanding contributors to the Berkshire County sports scene at its third annual Awards Dinner at the Polish Falcon Club.
 
The foundation supports youth sports throughout the county each year.
 
In 2025-26, those donations totaled more than $30,000 to groups ranging from youth football and cheerleading programs, Pittsfield Little League, Northern Berkshire Softball and the Pittsfield Boys and Girls Club Recreation Therapy Program, to name a few.
 
Funds raised by the foundation also go to support its annual Vera Barborotta Memorial Sportsman Scholarship, which this year went to Lee High School graduate Joey Abderhalden and Taconic grad Madeline Harrington.
 
Two other recently graduated high school standout athletes were recognized as winners of the Al Bianchi Memorial Athletes of the Year: Madison McCarthy and Cooper Calvert, both of Wahconah Regional High School.
 
Pittsfield High School girls basketball coach Kristy Conyers and Hoosac Valley boys basketball coach Matt Larabee received the foundation's Coach of the Year Awards.
 
John Castonguay received the Bianchi-Barbarotta Foundation Living Legend Award. A.J. Ziter took home the Connie Bianchi Memorial Award of Merit. And Mark Moulton rounded out the honorees with the foundation's Volunteer of the Year Award.
 
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