Superintendent Akers Recognizes Officers for Serving and Protecting our Community

Springfield, Mass. — Springfield Police Superintendent Lawrence E. Akers would like to publicly recognize several officers for serving the public in a manner that shines a positive light on our department.

On Thursday an anonymous citizen reached out to the mayor’s office and complimented our officers working a detail on Sumner Avenue.  The citizen stated it was very refreshing to see how well traffic was being directed by the officers (Angel Perez & Matthew Garcia) who were smiling and very kind.

Also, over the past week, members of our Special Victims Unit have been working with a family who are disabled and have special needs.  This family had all of their possessions taken from other family members who were taking advantage of them.  While our SVU is searching to find a new permanent home for this family they spent their own money to purchase some household items for this family to have.  While shopping at Ocean State Job Lot on Boston Road, their manager mentioned a program their company runs which can help the family as well.  Ocean State Job Lot donated a “Close to our Heart Certificate” to be used on items in their store.

Superintendent Akers stated, “Thank you to Officers Angel Perez and Matthew Garcia for representing the department well on your traffic detail.  Also, thank you to Sgt. Karen Simmons and SVU Detectives Greg McCain, Luishka Mendez-Vazquez and Samantha Jones for your work on this case and your personal contributions to help out this family.  I truly appreciate how these officers are serving our community.”

He continued, “I’d also like to recognize our officers involved in the pursuit on Thursday that began on Lombard Street and ended on River Road in Agawam.  It led to a dangerous armed individual being taken off the street.  Our Detectives and Officers showed incredible restraint and were able to take this suspect into custody without anyone suffering any significant injuries.”