Silver Lake Search Recovers Swimmer’s Body

According to a release from the Pittsfield Fire Department on Monday, June 22nd at 2:45pm the Pittsfield Fire Department responded to Silver Lake in the City of Pittsfield for a water rescue. The initial response consisted of Engine 3 (with Rescue 2 and Marine 1), Engine 6, Engine 5, Truck 2, and Car 2.

Upon arrival PFD found two young fishermen (fishing off an area near where Silver Lake Boulevard meets Fourth Street) had heard a swimmer in distress. The swimmer was described as an older man in his 50's or 60's. The swimmer had just gone past the youths when he disappeared around the corner from their fishing spot. The fishermen then heard the swimmer yelling for help. They ran around the immediate area but couldn’t find the swimmer and called 911.

Pittsfield Fire immediately put 3 rescue swimmers and watercraft Marine 1 (consisting of 3 more rescuers) in the water at the vicinity where the boys heard the calls for help.

Ultimately the search and rescue mission shifted to a recovery operation. The swimmer was discovered deceased and removed from the water around 9:00pm. The incident was turned over to Pittsfield Police Department.

The incident was expanded with the following agencies responding and assisting throughout the duration:

• Pittsfield Police Department
• Action Ambulance
• Berkshire County Sheriff’s Department and their Dive Team
• Stockbridge Fire Department
• Lanesboro Fire Department
• Hinsdale Fire Department
• MA Department of Fire Services
• MA Environmental Police
• MA State Police Dive Team

Pittsfield Fire wishes to thank all these agencies for their response and assistance throughout this incident. We also wish to thank Berkshire Eagle reporter Ben Garver and off-duty PFD Gabe Prendergast for use of their drones in aiding the search efforts.