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Firefighter Nicholas Teti, left, Fire Chief Thomas Sammons, firefighter Craig Eggleston and Fire Capt. Matthew Packard after a presentation of certificates at the City Council meeting.
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Police Officer Shaun Courtney poses for a photo.

Pittsfield First-Responders Recognized for Lifesaving Efforts on Infant

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
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Chief Thomas Sammons congratulates one of the EMTs who responded to the emergency involving an infant last fall. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Multiple first responders were recognized for performing lifesaving measures on an infant in November.

Tuesday's City Council meeting began with Lifesaving Awards to three paramedics, three firefighters, and four police officers. The first responders were recognized for their actions on Nov. 22 "where life-saving measures were performed on an infant."

While not much information can be released, Fire Chief Thomas Sammons said the incident was "one of those calls people will never forget." 

He described it as a "low frequency, high stress" incident and that everybody who responded gave it their all and did a fantastic job.

"The outcomes are the outcomes but when people work that hard together, it should be recognized," he said.

Awards were given to paramedics Joseph Carpenter, Matt Williams and Haley Duffy; fire Capt. Matthew Packard, Firefighters Craig Eggleston and Nicholas Teti; Police Officers Robert Horne, James Sena and Shaun Courtney, and Police Sgt. Ryan Williams.



City staff, family, and friends applauded each first responder in Council Chambers.

Sammons said this kind of call puts everybody to the test.

"Captain Packard of the Fire Department sent me a letter the next day after the call explaining the call, what happened, and that the way that everybody worked together, he felt needed recognition," the chief said, adding that he absolutely agreed.

 


Tags: first responders,   recognition event,   

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Pittsfield Man Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — On Friday, Jan. 17, Laquan M. Johnson, 29, of Pittsfield, pleaded guilty to manslaughter and seven charges connected to the April 4 killing of Stephan Curley.
 
The Honorable Judge Agostini of Berkshire Superior Court sentenced Johnson to 12 to 15 years in state prison. The sentence exceeds sentencing guidelines, which recommend 9 to 13.5 years. The plea took place prior to the result of a jury verdict from a trial that began on Jan. 8.
 
The Commonwealth requested a state prison sentence of 15 to 20 years, while the defense requested a sentence of 10 years to 10 years and one day.
 
"My thoughts are with Mr. Curley's family during this difficult time," District Attorney Timothy J. Shugrue said. "While Laquan Johnson's lengthy sentence will never bring Mr. Curley back, I hope it offers some measure of comfort to his loved ones. Gun violence affects not only the perpetrators and victims but the entire community. Today's plea represents a step toward healing, offering Ms. Satrape, Mr. Curley's family, and the community an opportunity to look forward toward a new day."
 
Johnson also pleaded guilty to additional charges, with sentences running concurrently:
  • 5 to 7 years for armed assault with intent to murder.
  • 2 to 3 years each for two counts of assault and battery by discharging a firearm.
  • 2 years in the House of Corrections for possession of a firearm without an FID card.
  • 2 years in the House of Corrections for possession of ammunition without an FID card.
  • 2 to 4 years in state prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
  • 2 to 4 years in state prison for possession with intent to distribute a Class B substance.
On April 4, 2022, Johnson shot and killed 26-year-old Stephan Curley of Springfield and injured 28-year-old Dominique Satrape of Pittsfield.
 
At approximately 4:22 p.m., Pittsfield Police responded to ShotSpotter activation detecting five gunshot rounds near 71 King Street. At about 4:27 p.m., police were also dispatched to Berkshire Medical Center following a report of a person with a gunshot wound, later identified as Curley.
 
Police investigating the scene at 71 King Street observed Meilani Eurquhart, Johnson's sister, outside leaning over a garbage can. When questioned, she admitted to hearing gunshots but dropped several spent shell casings when asked to raise her hands. Officers also found additional spent shell casings on the porch.
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