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Thousands lined North Street on Thursday morning for the Pittsfield Fourth of July Parade.

Weather Cooperates for Pittsfield 4th of July Parade

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
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The parade had floats, bands and fire engines. See more photos here.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The downtown corridor was alive with red, white, and blue as thousands gathered to watch the Fourth of July parade.

Mayor Peter Marchetti pointed to the pleasant Thursday morning weather — overcast with bouts of sunshine and in the 70s. The 2024 parade, themed "Red, White, Blue and YOU," featured more than 160 units.

"It is a really nice day in Pittsfield and the weather looks like it's going to cooperate and we're ready for a parade," he said before the 10 a.m. kickoff.

It is a bittersweet day for Marchetti, as he will be stepping down as parade leader after more than two decades, but he plans to be involved in some capacity. He thanked the people of Berkshire County for their longtime support of this event.

"It's been a long part of tradition of being here on the morning of the fourth and being the guy in charge but I know through our succession planning, we will be in great shape for next year," Marchetti said.

"I don't think they'll totally get rid of me but I won't be the guy in charge anymore."

Marchetti is handing the reins over to Rebecca Brien, the managing director of Downtown Pittsfield Inc. She described the parade preparations as "controlled chaos," having arrived on site at 5 a.m.


"We had, again, chairs set out first thing this morning at 6 a.m. and people are just excited to see the parade," she said.

William "Bill" Sturgeon was "overwhelmed and filled with gratitude" as the grand marshal of the parade.  The WTBR radio personality, community volunteer, and veteran stressed the importance of remembering those who never returned from war.

"This has been overwhelming both to my wife and I'm so filled with gratitude and honor but I can't forget the ones who will be forever 19," he said.

"I'm an old man they never got that privilege."

Sturgeon, who was named 2024 Irish Person of the Year by the Irish American Club of Berkshire County, rode in a yellow Thunderbird convertible with his wife, Rose.

"I think that my husband is terrific and so deserving of this honor. He does a lot of community," she said.

"We've been together a lot of years and he's always driven to help people and to be kind to everyone, especially the community, the elderly, the handicapped, veterans, he's always there."


Tags: 4th of July,   parade,   

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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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