PFD Honors Former Deputy Chief Battling ALS

Just below the light bar on Pittsfield's Engine 6 now reads "Poly's Pride" in recognition of beloved former Deputy Chief Mike Polidoro, who is currently battling ALS, otherwise known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

Polidoro was on the department for 28 years before becoming unable to work. He last worked as a Deputy Chief. He was also a member of the dive and hazmat teams, and taught at the academy.

Scores gathered for a private ceremony at PFD Headquarters on Columbus Ave on Monday morning in commemoration, including Chief Czerwinski, Mayor Linda Tyer, and Fr. Peter Gregory.

Polidoro played a critical role in replacing all aging Pittsfield fire trucks (engines) to the Seagrave brand, a staple of FDNY. Pittsfield Engine's 1, 3, 5, 6, and a new pumper arriving in the spring, are all Seagraves.

Just after the 9/11 attacks, Polidoro headed to ground zero to help with rescue and recovery missions as part of Massachusetts Task Force One, a state urban search and rescue team.