Mayor Domenic J. Sarno joined Parks, Buildings, and Recreation Management (PBRM) Director Thomas Ashe, family members of the late Kevin Ambrose, Captain Brian Beliveau and members of the Springfield Police Department, Park Commissioner Clinton Harris, and city officials on Tuesday morning to continue to honor the memory of Springfield Police Officer Kevin Ambrose with a special dedication ceremony as the city officially names the soccer field at Greenleaf Park “Kevin Ambrose Field.”
Mayor Sarno states, “Officer Kevin Ambrose made the ultimate sacrifice saving the lives of a young mother and her child. Throughout his career, that was tragically cut short, Officer Ambrose was a strong mentor and active in youth sports and development. He grew up playing at Greenleaf Park and went on to coach there and even patrolled the area as part of his district near the end of his career. Officer Ambrose touched so many lives through his service and sacrifices, we are proud to honor his legacy of helping and creating opportunities for youth. Kevin Ambrose Field at Greenleaf Park will serve to help us remember this fallen hero. I will continue to proudly where my “Badge #7” pin in honor of Officer Kevin Ambrose and all our brave officers for their sacrifices and for what they do for us each and every day. May God rest Kevin’s soul and all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, and May God protect our men and women in blue and our community in which they serve.”
Officer Ambrose was killed responding to a domestic disturbance on Lawton Street on June 4, 2012. He was shot while protecting a woman and her child from the woman’s boyfriend. The lives of both the mother and child were saved. Officer Ambrose was 55 years old, serving with the Springfield Police Department for 36 years. He is survived by his wife, son, daughter and grandchild.
PBRM Director Tom Ashe stated, “The dedicated officers of the Springfield Police Department, like police departments throughout the country, are faced with very challenging, difficult and dangerous situations on a daily basis. For this, we owe a tremendous amount of gratitude to our police officers and their families. Today, we proudly uplift Officer Ambrose’s legacy of protecting and serving the residents of our City here at a neighborhood park that he loved and enjoyed.”