Neal to Host 2025 Military Service Academy Day

Print Story | Email Story
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal will host his 2025 Academy Day information session this Sunday, May 4. 
 
The event will take place at noon in the Davis Auditorium at the Springfield D'Amour Museum of Fine Arts, 21 Edwards St.
 
This session will allow interested students to learn more about each of the service academies and determine whether a military service academy or a similar education path is a suitable choice for their future.
 
Nominations by members of Congress or the vice president are required to attend the Military Academy at West Point and the Naval, Air Force and Merchant Marine academies. Candidates must also meet specific eligibility requirements and apply directly to the academies. 
 
During the presentation, Neal will recognize students who received a nomination and were accepted to one of the service academies beginning this summer. Representatives from the congressman's office will also share information about the application process for congressional nominations.

Tags: military,   Neal,   

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

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.

View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories