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Police Officer Chelsea Eichstedt, center, with her colleagues after being commended for her actions in saving a choking resident.
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Left, Eichstedt gets a hug from Police Chief Deanna Strout; right, Eichstedt poses with her family.

Dalton Police Officer Receives Commendation

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
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DALTON, Mass. — Police Officer Chelsea Eichstedt received a commendation and a life-saving award during the Select Board meeting on Monday for her professionalism and empathy demonstrated during a call on Feb. 4.
 
Eichstedt was dispatched to the home of a 39-year-old man with Down syndrome who was choking. 
 
She successfully cleared his airway using the Heimlich maneuver, and his mother expressed appreciation for how Eichstedt handled the frightening situation with empathy.
 
According to the mother, "You spoke with him on his level and informed him about everything you were going to do," Police Chief Deanna Strout said in reading the commendation.
 
"You even told him you were going to give him a big hug so he would understand what it would feel like. According to his mom, she was so grateful because you treated him as a person."
 
Strout said Eichstedt not only handled herself with professionalism and competence but also used empathy and kindness to add her successful resolution.

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Parks Commission OKs Wahconah Park Event, Clapp Park Dugouts

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Baseball dugouts are planned for Clapp Park, and in April, the community will have one last look inside the historic Wahconah Park grandstand before it is demolished. 

On Tuesday, the Parks Commission approved a "Farewell to the Grandstand at Wahconah Park" event to be held on April 11 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. 

Recreation and Special Events Coordinator Jennifer VanBramer explained that the event will allow the community to see the more than 100-year-old structure before it comes down later in the spring. 

"Attendees will be able to go up to the top of the ramp to get a look into the grandstand for one last chance and quick photo op, but they can't get any further due to safety concerns," she explained. 

The property at 105 Wahconah St. has drawn attention for several years after the grandstand was deemed unsafe in 2022. Planners have determined that starting from square one is the best option; a $15 million rebuild is on the table. 

There will be speeches from city officials and Baseball in the Berkshire Director Larry Moore, a slideshow with old photographs and memories shared from the community, a table with renderings of the new grandstand, a memory table, and a story booth where short interviews can be recorded. 

"Ernie the Hot Dog Guy" is also confirmed as a food vendor. 

"We're looking forward to great weather, and unfortunately, we won't be able to get everyone fully into the grandstand, but certainly we'll be able to have folks view the grandstand from the safe areas of the grandstand," Parks, Open Space, and Natural Resources Manager James McGrath explained. 

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