Friends, family and coworkers gathered at the Barney Carriage House in Forest Park to celebrate the twenty-six-year career of Springfield Park Ranger Chief Joseph Luverna. Due to his efforts, he has managed to prevent hundreds of thousands of dollars yearly in vandalism, and in turn, millions has been invested into Forest Park. Chief Luverna is the longest serving volunteer known in the City of Springfield and helped to expand the Park Ranger program throughout the City.
Mayor Sarno proclaimed Monday, February 8, 2016 as "Chief Joe Luverna Day," and Representative Angelo Puppolo presented him with recognition from the Massachusetts House of Representatives. Parks, Buildings and Recreation Management Executive Director Patrick Sullivan and Parks Chairman Brian Santaniello were also on hand to lend their best wishes to Chief Luverna.
