On Tuesday, August 1st at 3:30pm District Attorney Timothy J. Shugrue will return the late District Attorney Gerard D. Downing’s portrait to its rightful location in Northern Berkshire District Court (111 Holden Street, North Adams). The portrait was originally hung under District Attorney Capeless’ administration and was later removed in 2019.
The portrait serves as a tribute to the late Gerard D. Downing. He took great pride in his work in Berkshire County’s district courts. As a prosecutor, District Attorney Downing sought proactive programs to reduce recidivism and effect positive change on every level.
District Attorney Downing is remembered as an outstanding resident of Berkshire County. He was widely admired by his colleagues, law enforcement, social workers, educators, and the community at-large. Following his passing, many Massachusetts district attorneys shared that District Attorney Downing was a someone they would frequently call to seek advice from. The Massachusetts District Attorneys Association honored Downing’s memory by establishing an annual award given in his name, the Gerard D. Downing Advocate of the Year award.
Following the portrait hanging, District Attorney Shugrue will attend many of the county’s National Night Out events.