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North Adams Swears In New Officers, Firefighters
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New Police Officer Joshua Zustra gets a hug from his grandmother, City Councilor Marie Harpin; left, reserve firefighter Tyler Bolte after the ceremony. Below, Bolte, center, takes the oath with Casey Cooke, left, and Brad Sacco. |
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| Clockwise from above left: Officer Brad Vivori is sworn in; Officer Trevor Manning is pinned by the mayor; Zustra; and reserve Police Officers Jonathan Beaudreau, left, and Nicholas Richards. |
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Officers Brad Vivori, Trevor Manning and Joshua Zustra were sworn in separately as permanent police officers after serving in a reserve capacity. They were officially sworn in by the mayor on July 11 but it has become the administration's policy to have new officers take the oath publicly from City Clerk Marilyn Gomeau on community television.
Zustra received not only a handshake from the mayor and a hug from Gomeau, a former neighbor, like his colleagues, but also hug from his proud grandmother, City Councilor Marie Harpin.
Also taking the oath were reserve Officers Jonathan Beaudreau and Nicholas Richards, and reserve firefighters Casey Cook, Brad Sacco and Tyler Bolte. Reserve firefighter Collin Boucher was not in attendance.
"I think this is a great community event and I'm glad we do this and I'm glad to see so many friends, family and supporters," said the mayor, quipping, "cops, people hate to see you coming, firefighters, people love to see you coming." But he, added, "we truly respect, we value what you do ... it's a lot of hard work, a lot of training, a lot of effort, a lot of risk.
"My wish to you is to be happy at your job, but to be safe and stay so."
Adams Accident Closes Route 8
 One person was transported to the hospital and another was treated at the scene. None of the injuries appeared to be serious, Police said. |
A southbound Chevy 1/2 ton pickup truck collided with a Toyota Solara attempting to exit Elm Street across from Aladco just after 3 p.m. The car spun into the Aladco parking lot and both vehicles were towed from the scene.
One person was transported by ambulance to the hospital and another was treated at the scene. Police said the injuries did not appear to be serious.
The roadway was opened a few minutes after 4 p.m. No further information was immediately available.
Pittsfield Man Pleads Guilty To Charges From 2010 Brawl
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Jesse Tart, 38, of Pittsfield pleaded guilty to two counts of assault by means of a dangerous weapon and single counts discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling, intimidation of a witness or other person, unlawful possession of fireworks, improper storage a non-large capacity rifle, shotgun or firearm, ownership, possession or transfer of a firearm without a firearm identification card, possession of cocaine and possession of marijuana.
Judge John Agnostini ordered Tart to serve concurrent 18 month sentences at the Berkshire County House of Correction on the assault by means of the dangerous weapon charges. He was given five years probation on the other charges.
The charges stem from a massive brawl on Cloverdale Street in Pittsfield on July 4, 2010. Ten counts of ownership, possession or transfer of a firearm, rifle or shotgun without a firearm identification card, six counts of improper storage of a non-large capacity rifle, shotgun or firearm and a single count of possession of ammunition without a firearm identification card were dismissed by the state.
Police Surround Reportedly Armed Pittsfield Man
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Sometime after 5 p.m., SWAT officers and a Crisis Intervention officer were dispatched to a location at West Mountain Road in Cheshire, which authorities gleaned from a trace of the individual's cell phone. The man was said to have made threats that he might do harm to himself.
Calls to dispatch indicated that the man's girlfriend told police he had a gun with a full clip, and eight additional rounds of ammunition. State police confirmed that the incident was ongoing.
Law enforcement drew a perimeter around the area where the man is believed to be, still in his car, while the man's girlfriend carried out a conversation over the phone.
At 6:25, Pittsfield Police Department released an announcement that a major police operation was in progress.
"Operation One Team One Mission is in progress. Street level suppression and interdiction with PPD, MSP, BCSD, Probation and other LEOs."
This incident is ongoing. We will post updates as they become available.
Update: Andrew Apple, 27, of Pittsfield was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm without a license and larceny of a firearm shortly before 7 p.m. The team "missions" apparently referred to an operation by Pittsfield Police in the city.
Superior Court Briefs: July 16
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Shannon Luczynski, 31, of North Adams was sentenced to serve four and a half to five and a half years at the Massachusetts Correctional Institution at Cedar Junction.
Luczynski pleaded guilty on July 12 to four counts of distribution of oxymorphone and one count of drug violation in a park zone. He was given two concurrent two to two and a half year sentences on the distribution charges and then an additional two and a half to three year sentence on the park zone charge.
The incident occurred in North Adams between January 28, 2011 and February 10, 2011.
Robin Connors, 28, of Lee pleaded guilty to single counts of possession of heroin with intent to distribute and conspiracy to violate drug laws.
He was sentenced to three to four year sentences at the Massachusetts Correctional Institution at Cedar Junction. The charges stem from a motor vehicle stop in Lee on November 9, 2011.
Single counts of distribution of heroin and drug violation in a school zone were dismissed by the state.
