MassDOT Crossing Guard Appreciation Campaign

07:29AM / Wednesday, March 04, 2026Print Story | Email Story

BOSTON – The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), announced the launch of the sixth annual Safe Routes to School Crossing Guard Appreciation Campaign, recognizing the role crossing guards play in keeping students and families safe across Massachusetts.

The campaign begins with a Crossing Guard of the Year nomination period, followed by Crossing Guard Appreciation Day on March 25, and will culminate with the announcement of the 2026 Crossing Guard of the Year award winners. Award recipients will be recognized at the Annual Safe Routes to School Awards Ceremony in June.

"All crossing guards play a vital role in keeping students and families safe across the Commonwealth, and while this contest provides an opportunity for the public to recognize those who serve their own communities with dedication every day, know that all are invaluable and we thank them for their service," said Interim MassDOT Secretary and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng. "Under the Healey-Driscoll Administration, safety remains everyone's top priority, and we encourage the public to nominate the crossing guards who continue to make a difference in the lives of students and families. Thank you to everyone who helps keep our children safe on their way to and from school."

Last year, the Safe Routes to School (STRS) program received an overwhelming number of nominations, resulting in multiple honorees at the 2025 annual awards ceremony. Jill Boyd (Braintree) Soleil Hanger (Pittsfield) and Lie-Mei Ho (Newton) received the Crossing Guard Champion Award. Bridget and Gerry Buckley (Boston) received the Honorable Mention Award, and Gina Hayes (Malden) was named Crossing Guard of the Year.

The nomination period opened on Sunday, March 1, closes at 5:00 p.m. on Crossing Guard Appreciation Day, Wednesday, March 25. On that day, schools and students are encouraged to recognize the crossing guards in their community in ways that are meaningful to them.

The nomination form, a printable thank-you cards, and promotional flyers are available on the SRTS website in the Engagement section. Schools must be SRTS partners in order for their Crossing Guards to be eligible. Previous award recipients are not eligible. The number of nominations received does not impact a crossing guard's chances of selection, and communities are encouraged to collaborate on thoughtful submissions.

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UPDATE: Juvenile in Custody After Arrest Warrants Issued for Pittsfield Shooting

Staff reportsiBerkshires
12:00PM / Tuesday, August 25, 2026

Updated on 08252026 at noon: Pittsfield police provided an update indicating a juvenile allegedly connected to the shooting is in custody.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Police were granted arrest warrants for two people suspected to be responsible for the Aug. 16 shooting on Francis Avenue.

Jason Wright, 41, and an unnamed juvenile are charged with assault and battery, discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling, and possession of a gun without an FID card or license to carry.

On Aug. 16, near 211 Francis Ave., three individuals suffered gunshot wounds and were all transported to Berkshire Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. This is one of four gun violence incidents on city streets this summer.

Police say two of the individuals who suffered gunshot wounds are the subjects of the arrest warrants.

"I first want to commend the Pittsfield Police Department on solving this case in just eight days. They, along with members of the Task Force who provided support when needed, worked around the clock to identify those responsible," District Attorney Timothy Shugrue wrote on Monday.

The DA said he understands that Pittsfield remains on edge, and said he is fully committed to providing resources, including funding for overtime and State Police detective resources, to support the Pittsfield Police Department as it continues its active investigations into the June 18, Aug. 4t, and Aug. 16 shootings.

"No stone will be left unturned. If you bring violence and guns to our county, you will be held responsible to the greatest extent of the law," he wrote.

The first arrest warrant issued is for a juvenile. The juvenile is charged with:

Two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, to wit a firearm
Attempted murder
Discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling
Possession of a firearm in commission of a felony
Possession of a firearm without an FID card/license to carry
Possession of ammunition without an FID card/license to carry

The second arrest warrant is for Jason Wright, 41, with a last known address on Woodlawn Avenue. Wright is charged with:

Attempted murder
Assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, to wit a firearm
Two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, to wit a Firearm
Discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling
Possession of a firearm in commission of a felony
Possession of a firearm without an FID/LTC
Possession of ammunition without an FID/LTC

There have been four gun violence incidents in Pittsfield since mid-June, leaving one person dead and a total of seven injured. Additionally, a Lanesborough man is facing multiple charges for allegedly shooting a gun near homes and a road while intoxicated on Sunday.

On June 18, a person died after being shot in the area of Tyler Street and Pleasure Avenue, and another person was injured. Following an extensive investigation, police on June 23 had an arrest warrant out for Terry Martizna, 35, on a charge of murder.

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