Springfield officers recognized for helping disabled family in need

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Several Springfield officers are being recognized for helping residents in the community.

A Springfield family who are disabled and have special needs had all of their possessions taken from other family members who were taking advantage of them. Over the past week, Sgt. Karen Simmons and SVU Detectives Greg McCain, Luishka Mendez-Vazquez and Samantha Jones have been working with the family to new home.

During this time, the officers used their own money to buy household items for the family. While shopping at Ocean State Job Lot on Boston Road, the manager was able to provide a “ Close to our Heart Certificate ” to be used in the store.

In addition, Springfield Officers Angel Perez and Matthew Garcia are being recognized after an anonymous citizen contacted Mayor Sarno’s office on Thursday. The resident said it was very refreshing to see how well traffic was being directed during a detail on Sumner Avenue by the officers who were smiling and very kind.

“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,” said Superintendent Akers.

Superintendent Akers also released a statement about several officers involved in the pursuit in Springfield into Agawam on Thursday, “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.”

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