Project Blue Light is a nationwide recognition of those Police Officers who have died in the line of duty. It began in 1988 when the surviving mother-in-law of a Philadelphia Police Officer killed in the line of duty told Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) that she would put two blue lights in her window to remember her son-in-law and her daughter who was killed in a car crash. “Project Blue Light” now burns bright in the hearts of nearly 15,000 surviving families of American’s fallen law enforcement officers.
Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood spoke to the crowd that gathered, which included the families and friends of those who have lost a loved one while serving, and expressed her appreciation and support to those families and loved ones who have lost someone in the line of duty, many of whom she knew personally, especially as we approach the holiday season. She also addressed and thanked those currently serving to protect our residents and businesses for their service day-in and day-out and that she prays for them to return home safely at the end of each shift.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno spoke and thanked those in attendance for coming together to honor and remember our brave and dedicated men and women in Blue and their families.
“We must always remember and never forget these brave, dedicated and compassionate police officers lost their lives in protecting a public in need,” said Mayor Sarno. “Their families suffer every day, especially during the holidays with that empty chair at the table. May God rest their souls and protect our ‘men and women in blue’ and their families too.”
Maura Schiavina, the sister of fallen Springfield Police Officer Michael Schiavina also spoke on behalf of the surviving families and stressed the importance of never forgetting those who have sacrificed their lives to protect and hold the line between good and evil.
Also on Thursday, in honor of “Project Blue Light” Monarch Tower turned blue in honor of the fallen Springfield Police Officers. On behalf of the City of Springfield and the Springfield Police Department, we thank and want to recognize Monarch Place and Paul Picknelly for this symbolic gesture. We will be asking residents to place a blue light bulb on the porch or in a candle in their window to show their appreciation for police officers throughout the holiday season.
