Longtime Pittsfield Police Officer Passes Suddenly

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Pittsfield Police Department is mourning the sudden loss of a longtime officer.

Chief Thomas Dawley announced the unexpected death of Officer Michael Silver "with great sadness" on Monday. Silver worked for the department for more than 15 years and is remembered as a highly respected member of the force.

The Dawley's post on Facebook stated the department would not release more information and requested privacy for Silver's family.

"Rest in peace Ofc. Michael Silver Call Sign #403, your brothers and sisters in blue will take it from here," he wrote in a Facebook post.


Silver began his career with PPD in 2008 after graduating from the State Police Municipal Academy. He has been a senior tactical operator on the Berkshire County Special Response Team since 2016 and was assigned to the department's traffic unit.

"Ofc. Silver was dedicated to the profession of being a police officer and was highly respected by his peers," Dawley wrote.

Silver briefly served with the Lee Police Department in 2015 and was a certified Municipal Police Training Committee instructor in several areas. He received several letters of commendation and was the recipient of the Weapons Seizure Award and a Drug Buster Award.

Dawley and members of the PPD extended their deepest condolences to the officer's family, friends, and those who knew him.


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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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