Police are the "sentinels of peace," Mayor Domenic Sarno said.
Springfield Police Capt. Thomas A. Trites and Police Officer Joseph Gentile carry wreath to monument of fallen Springfield police officers during a special ceremony Wednesday.SPRINGFIELD – Springfield police Wednesday remembered those fallen police officers who have given their lives in the line of duty at a ceremony in front of police headquarters on Pearl Street.
Police Commissioner William J. Fitchet said the city had a critical incident two Saturdays ago which could have resulted in the fatality of a Springfield police officer and a state trooper.
“Through training, experience, common sense and the grace of God” they escaped what could have been a fatal injury, Fitchet said.
A Springfield police officer and a state trooper survived a shooting spree because they were wearing bulletproof vests. One man died in the shooting spree.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno said that two Saturdays ago he received the chilling message that there were officers down.
“There is a growing disconnect in the respect for authority and for human life,” Sarno said.
Springfield police are the “sentinels of peace,” Sarno said.
He urged those present to “Say a prayer for the men and women in blue as they hit the streets.”
Police officers placed a wreath in front of a monument which honors 16 city police officers killed in the line of duty.
Maura Schiavina, sister of Michael Schiavina, who was gunned down with his partner, Alain Beauregard during a traffic stop in 1985, urged the families of police officers to “tell your family members you love them before they leave for their jobs.”
“Society is becoming more violent,” she said.
The annual service is timed to coincide with the observance of National Police Week. Each year, Springfield police honor the sacrifice of 15 officers and one constable who were killed in the service of the city.