Deadline Approaching For Pittsfield Parade

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. The deadline for participating in the 4th of July Parade is June 1.

There are typically about 170 units in each parade which is comprised of community groups, veterans' groups, fire departments, floats, balloons, musical units, and elected officials.  

A form may be obtained by calling 413-447-7763, by going to the web site, pittsfieldparade.com (scrolling down on the landing page), or by sending an email to pittsfieldparade@aol.com.

"It's a big parade," said Committee President Pete Marchetti. "But each and every participant must fill out and submit an application or we have no way of knowing about their intentions, can't work them into the line of march or let the telecast hosts know about them." 

The volunteers who work to feed the various units into the line of march have a list of all units under their responsibility.  The list is prepared using the formal applications which must be submitted with descriptions of their participant for broadcast purposes and for use in the program.  

Float operators and builders must attend workshops prior to the parade to learn and understand rules and regulations on construction and use. Future workshops for floats are:  Polish Falcons, Belair Ave. May 15 and 6/12 6:30pm; St Mark's Church, Father Leonard Hall, 400 West St. Pittsfield 5/20, 7pm and 5/25 10 am.

Donations are also sought and may be made on the committee's website pittsfieldparade.com.

 


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Hinsdale OKs Police Department Audit After Fatal Shooting

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

HINSDALE, Mass. — The town has approved $25,000 for an administrative review of the police department, more than two months after police fatally shot 27-year-old Biagio Kauvil during a mental health crisis. 

Town Administrator Robert Graves said the shooting on Jan. 7 is not the only focus of the audit, and it will be several months before the Select Board receives a final report. 

During a special town meeting on March 11, an article appropriating $25,000 from free cash for an independent consultant to conduct a professional evaluation and audit of the Town's Police Department was approved. The audit includes a review of the department's policies, protocols, operations, and procedures, and concludes with a written report. 

"The Berkshire County District Attorney's Office and Massachusetts State Police are investigating the shooting, and we await their conclusions.  As we look to move forward, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, our insurance company (MIIA/Cabot Risk), and our legal counsel have recommended that the town hire an independent law enforcement consultant or firm to conduct a comprehensive administrative review of our police operation," Graves wrote in an email to iBerkshires on Friday. 

"This event is not their focus; they will assess the overall operation. We want a written assessment of our police operation's strengths and weaknesses to help Hinsdale make future changes and improvements." 

He said after completing the procurement process and signing a contract with a reputable consultant or business, it will most likely be several months before the Select Board receives the final report. 

"Still, it will help the town and police department move forward," Graves wrote. 

Last weekend, family and friends of Kauvil stood in Park Square asking for justice. A flier for the standout reads "Biagio was killed by police while experiencing a mental health crisis. Now, over seven weeks later, authorities have not yet provided any updates.

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