Pittsfield Calls for Snow Angel Program Volunteers

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City of Pittsfield's Department of Community Development is actively seeking community volunteers for its Snow Angels program.
 
Each winter, many senior residents and individuals with disabilities reach out requesting assistance with snow removal. To help meet this ongoing need, the Snow Angels Program connects volunteers – known as "Snow Angels" – with neighbors in need who may be unable to clear snow from their around their homes following a storm producing six or more inches of snow.
 
Snow blocking driveways, walkways, and sidewalks can create hazardous conditions for residents, including school children and those with limited mobility, as well as postal or other delivery workers. The program aims to promote safety and strengthen community connections by pairing residents who need assistance with those willing to lend a helping hand.
 
Snow Angels are matched with a neighbor within a one-mile radius of their home and agree to remove snow within 24 hours of significant snowfall. Volunteers are required to provide their own shoveling tools and equipment. All volunteers will be asked to complete a waiver release form to acknowledge safety guidelines and responsibilities prior to participation.
 
Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older.
 
Individuals interested in becoming a Snow Angel are asked to contact Jennifer VanBramer, Recreation and Special Events Coordinator, at jvanbramer@cityofpittsfield.org
 
If the program secures enough volunteers, a separate call will be issued for Neighbors in Need to request snow removal assistance.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

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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