Pittsfield Citizen Police Academy

08:07AM / Thursday, March 26, 2026Print Story | Email Story

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.

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Pittsfield's Highland Restaurant Closing After 90 Years of Business

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:52PM / Monday, August 03, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— The Highland Restaurant will close after 90 years of serving locals pasta, seafood, and other Italian favorites.

On Sunday, the restaurant announced on social media that August will be its last month in business.

"In 1936, The Highland Restaurant opened its doors with overarching goals of bringing people together, serving great food, and creating lasting memories. For 90 years, generations of families, friends, and neighbors have made The Highland part of their lives. It has been our privilege to be part of yours," a Facebook post reads.

"As we celebrate this incredible milestone, we have also reached a natural conclusion. It is with a rush of mixed emotions that we announce August will be our final month in business."

The eatery at 100 Fenn Street, right next to City Hall, is owned by Pasquale, Gerardo and Dario Arace. The owners wrote that The Highland has always been more than a restaurant: "It has been our family's home and life's work."

They hope that every time people think of The Highland, it is with a smile.

"We are endlessly grateful to our employees, with some being with us for more than 50 years, for their loyalty, dedication, and friendship," the post reads.

"Above all, thank you to the people of Berkshire County and beyond. Your support, kindness, and memories have sustained us for nine decades. We hope The Highland will always be remembered not just for the meals we served, but for the moments shared around our tables."

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