News  New Bedford District Court employees commemorate one-year anniversary of colleague’s death during walk and ceremonial tree planting

The colleagues, friends, and family of Kerri Fidalgo, a New Bedford District Probation Case Specialist, marked the one-year anniversary of her death with a “A Walk to Remember” and tree planting ceremony on Friday, September 19th. This event was held a year to date of Ms. Fidalgo’s tragic passing in 2024.

During the 2.4 mile walk, a group of 100 people traveled to her home where they held a moment of silence. Participants walked back to the court where a tree planting ceremony—attended by her parents and siblings—was held in Ms. Fidalgo’s memory. Walk participants were provided with teal-colored carnations which they placed at the base of the planted Shad tree. Teal was her favorite color. Chief Chausse, Specialty Court Coordinator Eric Dorman, and PCS Karen Swift provided reflections on Ms. Fidalgo.

“Today we honor Kerri’s life and the kindness she shared with everyone around her. This tree will stand as a living tribute to her spirit, a lasting reminder of her compassion, strength, and the way she inspired us all to see the good in others,” said Donald Chausse, New Bedford District Chief Probation Officer.

Ms. Fidalgo’s family was involved in the planning of the event, according to Chief Chausse. He also wanted to acknowledge “the support” of the following Massachusetts Probation Service (MPS) employees—including the Massachusetts Trial Court Community Service Program—who secured the tree and assisted in the event planning as well as the New Bedford Police Department who controlled traffic along the route to ensure the safety of the participants.

• Frank Baptista, Assistant Court Service Coordinator
• Timothy Callahan, Community Service Assistant Supervisor
• Vincent Lorenti, Executive Director, Office of Community Corrections
• Mark Monteiro, Assistant Court Services Coordinator
• Thomas O'Neil, Assistant Court Service Coordinator
• Nelson Paiva, Assistant Court Service Coordinator
• David Skocik, Community Service Supervisor

Planning Committee:

• Karen Swift, Probation Case Specialist (PCS)
• Sara Gallagher, PCS
• Sharitza Pena, Associate Probation Officer (APO)
• Christine Monteiro, Probation Office Manager (POM)
• Drea Manning, PO
• Eric Dorman, Specialty Court Coordinator