Pittsfield is embroiled in a controversy over whether a man who served state prison time more than a decade ago should be able to join the city’s fire department.
Fred Conyers, Jr., spent more than three years behind bars on drug and weapons charges. After taking the civil service tests, Conyers is now at the top of the list among firefighter candidates in Pittsfield.
The firefighters’ union is opposing the nomination, citing concerns about his character and the public’s perception of the department if he’s hired.
For Conyers’ part, he said he just wants a chance.
“I embrace it,” Conyers said. “It doensn’t bother me, it motivates me a little bit. But I want to earn it, I want to earn their respect. I want them to look at me like a brother.”
Mayor Linda Tyer has the final authority on civil service appointments, and said she plans to hire Conyers. The city council is expected to take a non-binding vote next week.