Dalton Fire Chief Hired But Name Will Be Released at Later Date

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
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DALTON, Mass.—After a long search the Dalton Fire District has hired its new fire chief. 
 
"The district has gone through an exhaustive search looking for a new chief to replace Jim Peltier that was released in mid-summer. We feel that the new chief will bring the department together," Fire District Chair James Driscoll said. 
 
However, for now, the name of the new chief is being withheld because the district first wants to communicate with department staff before announcing it to the public, said Driscoll.
 
The district combed through 15 applications for the position and finally landed on one that they felt was a good fit. 
 
"We feel he has a lot of common sense and knowledge in the fire department and in the running of the fire department and hopefully everything will work out from this point forward," Driscoll said.
 
Driscoll said the district does plan to hold a swearing-in ceremony the first week of February. The exact date has yet to be determined. 
 
Retired Pittsfield Fire Chief Robert Czerwinski , who agreed agreed to act as interim chief until a new one could be found, will remain with the department until the new chief takes over.
 
The district has been searching for a new fire chief since May after the previous chief, James Peltier, was placed on administrative leave and subsequently fired.  
 
Since then they have gone through three interim chiefs. 
 
Chris Cachat was initially selected as the interim chief but went on to retire before a new chief could be found. 
 
Corey Wilcox took his place but could only do it for a limited time period because he had already accepted a position at the Pittsfield Fire Department. 
 
Czerwinski has been in charge since.
 
 
 
 
 

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Wahconah Regional High Graduates Reminded to Embrace Future

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass.—During the Wahconah Regional High School commencement on Sunday, graduates were advised to embrace the future, reflect on their past, and apply the lessons learned to navigate the path forward. 
 
Families, friends, and faculty gathered in the high school gym to honor 124 graduates and celebrate their accomplishments. 
 
During his speech, Valedictorian Aidan Garcia reflected on his last day of school during which Principal Aaron Robb announced that the "high school seniors are now dismissed from school forever."
 
He said it was at that moment the reality of their high school journey being over became real. Upon this realization, seniors felt a range of emotions. Some felt sad that they were leaving behind a place that had brought them many friendships and successes.
 
He said others were excited about never having to take a test again, and many felt relieved to finally receive their diploma and be able to pursue their plans.
 
With this famous dismissal came good news, a heavy medal, and a unique task for Garcia: the valedictorian speech. 
 
At that time, Robb explained to Garcia that the speech is about the future. With this in mind, Garcia wondered how he could speak about something that "we can all anticipate but also have no clue about?" 
 
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