SPRINFIELD — November 12^th marks the 35^th anniversary of one of the most difficult days in Springfield’s history.  On this day in 1985, Springfield 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; Officer Beauregard succumbed to his injuries three days later on November 15^th.

“Just a tragic, tragic day.  It shows that there is no such thing as a routine traffic stop.  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, Maura and their families who have shown incredible strength and continue to fight to keep their loved one’s memories alive,” said Springfield Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood.

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno states, “35 years ago today marked a tragic day when ‘sentinels of peace’ Officers Michael Schiavina and Alain Beauregard were taken away from their families, our SPD and all of us as they made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our residents and business community safe.  Public safety is a noble profession and one that deserves everyone’s respect and admiration.  It is a job that takes heartfelt dedication – and everyday our sworn officers in both our police and fire departments are serving the citizens of Springfield knowing that danger is lurking.  May God rest their souls and protect their families.”

In October 2019, the city dedicated and opened the Beauregard and Schiavina Memorial Park and Soccer Field on North Branch Parkway.

On Thursday November 19^th, the Springfield Police Department will hold a Project Blue Light Ceremony outside of 130 Pearl Street to honor all fallen police officers and to remember Officers Schiavina and Beauregard on the 35^th anniversary of their deaths.

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