SPRINGFIELD – In honor of fallen officers who gave the ultimate sacrifice, Springfield gathered for the city’s annual Project Blue Light Ceremony on Nov. 18. The traditioned memorial is part of the project’s nationwide effort to recognize police officers who have died in the line of duty. Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood, Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi, Fire Commissioner Bernard J Calvi and City Councilors Jesse Lederman and Tim Allen were in attendance. In his speech, Sarno reflected on a police officer’s essential role in the community as sentinels of peace.

“We deeply appreciate what [officers] do for the community,” said Sarno. Clapprood, members of the Springfield Chaplin and Maura Schiavina, sister of fallen Springfield Police Officer Michael Schiavina, also spoke on the importance of honoring the sacrifices police officers make on a daily basis.