Over $623K Raised at Market 32, Price Chopper During Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign

01:19PM / Sunday, February 22, 2026Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Salvation Army bellringers at Market 32 and Price Chopper stores in New York, Vermont, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire raised over $623,000 during the 6-week "Red Kettle" holiday campaign in November and December 2025.

The money raised will help fund essential services, including food assistance, shelter, and emergency relief.

Contributions collected at Market 32 and Price Chopper stores directly support local Salvation Army programs, ensuring that donations stay within the communities where they are given.

"Every donation made at our stores has a direct impact, allowing The Salvation Army to provide hope and assistance to those who need it most," said Pam Cerrone, Market 32 and Price Chopper director of community relations. "We’re proud of our longstanding partnership and incredibly grateful to our customers for stepping up and supporting their important work and making a difference in the lives of so many."

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Peace Officer Standards Commission Strips Former Pittsfield Cop of Certification

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
02:52PM / Tuesday, August 25, 2026

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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