Co-op Bank Partners with Brown & Brown Partnership

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Pittsfield Cooperative Bank (Co-op Bank) announced a new partnership with Brown & Brown, insurance brokerages. 
 
Together, the two organizations will offer customers and community members throughout the Berkshires access to a range of insurance products backed by trusted, local service.
 
Unlike national call centers or impersonal online platforms, this partnership brings together two organizations with ties to Berkshire County. Brown & Brown's regional team of insurance professionals live and work in the community, offering local personal attention, and providing responsive support.
 
"At the Co-op, our mission has always been to serve our customers and strengthen the communities we call home," said Gregg Levante, President of Pittsfield Cooperative Bank. "Partnering with Brown & Brown means our customers can access top-tier insurance solutions while working with people who understand their needs and live right here in the Berkshires."
 
Through this partnership, customers can access comprehensive insurance coverage— including auto, home, umbrella, life, recreational vehicles, commercial property, liability, and organizational employee benefits—delivered with the same personal touch and community commitment that define both organizations.
 
"We're excited to team up with Pittsfield Cooperative Bank to support Berkshire County residents and businesses," said Darin Burniske, Executive Vice President at Brown & Brown. "Our local team shares the Co-op's commitment to building long-term relationships and helping people protect what matters most."
 
Customers interested in learning more or requesting a no-obligation quote can call 866-636-0244 or visit pittsfieldcoop.com or BBrown.com.

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Peace Officer Standards Commission Strips Former Pittsfield Cop of Certification

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— A former Pittsfield Police officer was one of five statewide who recently had their licenses revoked by the  POST Commission. 

Last week, the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission voted to strip five former officers of their licenses to work in law enforcement, including former PPD officer William Straub

The commission had determined that these workers were unfit to carry a badge and gun in Massachusetts; so far, 92 state police officers have been decertified by the commission. 

Records indicate that Straub faced charges tied to a 2024 incident, but details are redacted.  On Oct. 31, 2024, the POST Commission suspended Straub's law enforcement certification, and he resigned from PPD in April. 

"According to Pittsfield District Court records, Straub pleaded guilty in April to two counts of misdemeanor assault and battery tied to a 2024 incident," MassLive wrote on Monday. 

"Three other charges, including drunk driving and carrying a firearm while intoxicated, were continued without a finding. While that resolution allows the charges to be dismissed after a period of time if Straub abides by certain conditions, the commission treats them as a criminal conviction."

According to records, he was certified as a police officer in July of 2021, and recertified in July 2024.  

"The Respondent's appointing agency, the Pittsfield Police Department ("PPD"), submitted a final report to the Commission finding that the Respondent had engaged in criminal conduct and conduct unbecoming [of] an officer," the Aug. 20 final decision to decertify reads. 

"The Respondent resigned from PPD on April 9, 2026, prior to the imposition of any discipline." 

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