BCC Accepting Applications to Fire Science Program

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC) is now accepting applications for entrance into its Fire Science program.
 
The associate degree program is shared with Greenfield Community College. All Massachusetts residents who have not yet earned a bachelor's degree can attend BCC for free. 
 
The program focuses on fire prevention and fire protection principles and techniques. Students also take general education courses, including human behavior and written and oral communication. All coursework is aligned with Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) standards. The program covers material on the most recent developments in the field and provides excellent preparation for those who work in a variety of occupations in fire science. 
 
"The Fire Science program at BCC is an excellent way to gain credentials for people who want to become firefighters, emergency managers, fire inspectors, insurance underwriters and more," said Daniel Garner, Fire Science program advisor. "With a demonstrated need in the Berkshires for these professions, graduates of the program tend to find jobs quickly and earn competitive salaries." 
 
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, firefighters in Massachusetts earn a median hourly wage of $34.78 and an annual mean salary of $72,330. 
 
For more information, or to apply to the program, visit www.berkshirecc.edu/firescience.  

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Police Suspect No Foul Play on DOA at Wahconah Park

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Pittsfield Police Department suspects no foul play in the death of an individual found on Wahconah Park's property on Monday. 

Police Lt. Cheryl Callahan confirmed that a person was dead on arrival when police were called to 105 Wahconah St. around 5:30 p.m. on Monday, July 6. 

"The party was identified, and there is no foul play. The medical examiner's office did accept the body," she reported on Tuesday when contacted by iBerkshires. 

Police were unable to specify where on the property the body was found and did not identify the person. Behind the ballpark and parking lot is a park and swampy area. 

If evidence pointing to foul play were discovered, that information would come from the detective bureau, Callahan said. 

This is not the first time a deceased person has been found on the property. 

Three years ago, human remains were found near the swampy area behind the park by a city employee who was cutting brush. The remains were later identified as 43-year-old Luis Lopez-Lopez. 

The Wahconah Park grandstand is currently being demolished following its condemnation in 2022, and the site is not currently in active use while the city plans for a $15 million rebuild. 

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