Springfield Police Officer Nestor Santos Named Hometown Hero
Springfield, Mass. — On Thursday April 3rd, Wellpoint and 98.5 the Sports Hub honored Springfield Police Officer Nestor Santos as a Hometown Hero for bravery and selflessness at Springfield Police Headquarters.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and Police Superintendent Lawrence E. Akers were joined by Wellpoint General Manager David Morales and 98.5 Director of Sales Brian Schneekloth, State Representative Bud Williams, Officer Santos, his family and dozens of Springfield Police Officers and Supervisors to celebrate this honor. Officer Santos was presented with a Bruins jersey signed by the entire team and tickets to a future Bruins game.
The Hometown Heroes Initiative was launched by Wellpoint in partnership with 98.5 The Sports Hub, Bruins Radio Network. The Hometown Heroes Initiative recognizes the commitment of individuals in local law enforcement, fire, emergency medical personnel, education, military, or other public service who have gone above and beyond for the greater good. This initiative is endorsed and supported by the State Police Association of Massachusetts, the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts, New England Police Benevolent Association, the Springfield Police Supervisors Association, and Massachusetts School Counselors Association.
On June 5th, 2024 Officer Santos was shot in the face, losing vision in one eye. Numerous suspects were arrested after the incident and several illegal firearms were recovered.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno stated, “Nestor Santos is a dedicated, decorated, and truly brave police officer. He is the definition of a hero who demonstrates his commitment to serving and protecting our community. Even after being seriously injured in a tragic incident, he wanted to recover as quickly as possible so he could get back out on the force and serve our community. He is a genuinely good person, a great family man and dad, who deserves this recognition. We are deeply grateful to my old friend David Morales and Wellpoint, and 98.5 The Sports Hub Bruins Radio Network, for their support of our brave and dedicated hometown heroes. On behalf of the City of Springfield, thank you Officer Nestor Santos and all our police, fire, paramedic, dispatch, and first responders for their continued efforts to keep us all safe.”
Learn more about Wellpoint’s Hometown Heroes campaign and how to nominate a hero: https://985thesportshub.com/contests/heroes/