Pittsfield: Sturgeon named 2024 Fourth of July Parade Marshal

Local radio personality William P. “Bill” Sturgeon has been selected by the Pittsfield Parade Committee as grand marshal of the Fourth of July Parade. 

The parade will step off at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 4, in downtown Pittsfield. This year’s theme is "Red, White, Blue, and You." 

Sturgeon hosts WTBR’s "Morning Drive" and serves on Pittsfield Community Television's board of directors and WTBR’s Community Advisory Board.  

He served a tour with the 101st Airborne Airmobile in Vietnam and was awarded the Bronze Star and the Army Commendation Medal before his 1971 discharge.

Sturgeon's career in criminal justice has spanned over 45 years locally, nationally and with the Department of Justice. 

He co-authored "No Time to Play" and "Recess is Over" with the late Barry Glick, and "Think Like a Terrorist to Combat Terrorism and Radicalization in Prison" with Francesca Spina.

He was named 2024 Irish Person of the Year by the Irish American Club of Berkshire County and was awarded the United Cerebral Palsy of Western Massachusetts' Community Impact Award in 2023. 

Asked how he wants to prepare for his day of march, Sturgeon says he wants to visit the Shrine of the Blessed Mother in New Lebanon, New York, where he will light a candle to honor all Vietnam veterans, living and deceased.