Andy Castillo is an experienced journalist and photographer with a background in local newspaper reporting, television production and travel writing. Before joining American City & County in 2021, Andy covered local news and features at The Greenfield Recorder and Daily Hampshire Gazette in Western Massachusetts. He holds a master’s degree in creative nonfiction writing from Bay Path University and a bachelor’s degree in English from The University of Massachusetts Amherst. Before entering the journalism field, Andy served as a firefighter in the United States Air Force and worked as an EMT in a nearby metropolitan center. He additionally holds an associate’s degree in fire science and technology from his time in the service.