The procession carrying the remains of Air Force SSgt. Jacob Galliher arrived in Pittsfield this evening.

The Pittsfield native was killed in a crash during a training mission off the coast of Japan. He was a 2017 graduate of Taconic High School.  

His remains arrived at Westover Air Force Base at around 4 p.m. The procession continued down the Massachusetts Turnpike to downtown Lee and Lenox before arriving in Pittsfield at about 6:15 p.m.

Thousands of people lined the streets to see the procession.

“Part of what makes Pittsfield and the Berkshires special is we have a long tradition of coming together in the darkest hour to support one another, and today is truly one of our most saddest, darkest and most tragic moments,” said Mayor Linda Tyre.  

The family issued the following statement: 

“Jacob was the light of our lives and we want him to be honored and remembered the way those who loved him will remember him — as a smiling, happy, loving man always willing to put family, friends and teammates above all,” the family said. “We are heartbroken at his loss but determined to ensure his young sons and our entire community never forget the deep, lasting impact of Jake’s life. We ask for your prayers and privacy as we work through the difficult days ahead.”

The wake will for Galliher will be held on Tuesday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at St. Agnes Catholic Community at 489 Main St. in Dalton. The funeral will take place on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the same location. Internment will be private.