Springfield Police Officer Named 2021 National Guard USO Service Member of the Year
Washington, D.C. — The United States Department of Defense announced Friday Springfield Police Officer and Massachusetts National Guard Army Sergeant Francisco Luna as the USO National Guard Service Member of the year.
“In displaying selflessness and bravery, these men and women have gone above and beyond the normal course of duty to be recognized as the USO’s Service Members of the Year,” said USO CEO and President J.D. Crouch II. “We are proud to honor their achievements and encourage all Americans to join us in doing the same.”
On April 20th, 2021 around 11am, officers Francisco Luna, Josue Cruz and Luis Delgado responded to a home in the Mason Square neighborhood for a report of a baby boy not breathing. When officers arrived they were led upstairs to where the baby’s mother was performing CPR. When officers arrived the baby was motionless and his skin appeared to be blue in color. Officers quickly took over life-saving measures, performing CPR and providing oxygen. After performing CPR for more than three minutes the baby regained consciousness and began to breathe on his own.
The mother and baby were transported to Baystate’s Pediatric Unit for further medical treatment. Mom and baby Kairo are doing well!
“Congratulations to Officer Luna on this prestigious honor. Officers Luna, Cruz and Delgado performed admirably in an incredibly stressful situation. I am so proud of them knowing that their actions helped prevent a tragedy,” said Springfield Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood.
Mayor Sarno states, “Congratulations to our SPD Officer and National Guardsman Francisco Luna on being recognized and acknowledged with this prestigious and well-deserved National Guardsman of the Year Award. His quick action and response, along with his fellow SPD Officers Cruz and Delgado, saved that child’s life. The officers were calm, cool and collected in what was an incredibly stressful situation. Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood and I are proud of our brave and dedicated SPD officers who day-in and day-out serve and protect our residents and business community. Congratulations to Officer Luna on this award and God Bless.”
To read the entire release from the Department of Defense click on the link below:
Meet the 2021 USO Service Members of the Year > U.S. Department of Defense > Story
