We are hosting a Project Blue Light ceremony tonight at the Springfield Police Department.
Project Blue Light is a nationwide recognition of those police officers who have died in the line of duty. It began in 1988 when the surviving mother-in-law of a Philadelphia police officer killed in the line of duty told Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS) that she would put two blue lights in her window to remember her son-in-law and her daughter who was killed in a car crash.
Project Blue Light now burns bright in the hearts of nearly 15,000 surviving families of America’s fallen law enforcement officers.
This week also marked the 36th anniversary of one of the most difficult days in Springfield’s history. On Nov. 12, 1985, police officers Michael Schiavina and Alain Beauregard conducted a traffic stop on State Street when they were ambushed and shot by an 18 year old with an arrest warrant. Officer Schiavina died a few hours later, while officer Beauregard succumbed to his injuries three days later on Nov. 15.
Mike and Alain were two young, personable well-liked officers whose lives were taken far too soon. I pray for each of our officers to come home safely every shift, and, on this anniversary, I think of not just Mike and Alain, but Doris Beauregard-Shecrallah, Maura Schiavina and their families who have shown incredible strength and continue to fight to keep their loved ones’ memories alive.
We have a new K9 added to our unit that specializes in searching and rescuing missing children or the elderly. Please welcome Badge, a 1-year-old black Labrador. He has been training since June and became certified on Nov. 2. Badge works best when a small child may have just walked away from a home or an elderly person has just wandered off. We hope we have some success stories to share soon.
We unfortunately had four fatal crashes during the course of a single week in early November. They’re all under investigation, but we know speed played a factor in each and every one. We’re urging drivers to slow down and put down their cellphones.
Our officers have written more than 700 speeding citations since Sept. 1 and have arrested or issued more than 300 complaints for drivers operating without a license in that time frame. We are finding out that far too many of these cases are being dismissed. We are asking our judicial system to uphold some of infractions, as we continuously see drivers with lengthy driver’s histories being involved in crashes.
We typically see an increase in opioid overdoses during the holiday season. To date our officers have saved more than 300 individuals overdosing by using Narcan. One of the first things I did when I became commissioner is train officers and equip every cruiser with that life-saving reversal drug. Our officers and that has undoubtedly been worth it. .
Tis’ the season for an increase in scams. When you get together as family this holiday season please have a conversation especially with any seniors or elderly family members about scams. If someone calls asking for personal information just hang up. Never make a payment for something through a gift card. We’ve had some reports of checks being stolen from Postal Service collection boxes, so please drop off any check in person at the post office, use your personal mailbox or if you can send any payments online through your bank.
Winter is coming and that means the Stephen O’Brien Memorial Learn to Skate Program is returning to Forest Park. It’s our 25th anniversary. I’ll join many of our officers to volunteer our time to teach kids how to skate. The Stephen O’Brien Memorial Learn to Skate program will run from 3 to 4 p.m. every Saturday from Nov. 27 through Jan. 8 at Cyr Arena, except for Christmas Day.
It’s free, and there’s no weekly commitment. We just ask that you arrive by 2 p.m. if you come the first week and by 2:30 each week afterwards. Please have your kids bring gloves, winter coats and a hockey or bicycle helmet to wear on the ice. Ice skates will be provided if you need them. It’s open to all children, not just Springfield residents.
I was pleased to take part in our cities Veterans Day parade. I myself am an Air Force veteran. Deputy Chief Rupert Daniel is a retired and highly decorated Army Green Beret who served our country for 39 years. The Springfield Police Department has well more than 150 officers who have served our country with distinction.
Currently the Springfield Police Department has 41 active members of the military in the National Guard or Reserves, including several who were recently activated with the National Guard. The Springfield Police Department honors and celebrates all those who have honorably served or are serving our country on this Veterans Day.
We are so proud to partner with the Massachusetts Military Support Foundation again. We went out to Gillette Stadium and picked up “Coats4 Vets Buckets.” They are filled with a warm coat, personal protective equipment, water and snacks. Our Metro officers will distribute them to our veterans in need over the next few weeks.
Finally on behalf of our officers, my command staff and Kacey we want to wish everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving.
Cheryl C. Clapprood is police commissioner for the city of Springfield. Her column will appear monthly.
Editor’s note: Information on the Springfield Police Department’s community calendar is available on the department’s website, springfield-ma.gov/police, and Facebook page, Facebook.com/Springfield Police DeptMA.
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