The line was long. The smiles were big, and the greeting guests received on Wednesday, December 4th were warm and welcoming as Bright Nights at Forest Park hosted Military and Emergency Responders Night.
Members of the military, active and retired, law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMT’s, and their families, were greeted by Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, Spirit of Springfield President Judy Matt, Colonel David Halasi-Kun, Wing Commander of the 104th Fighter Wing at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Colonel Gregory Buchanan, Commander of the 439th Airlift Wing at Westover Air Reserve Base, along with CMSGT Barbara Gilmore and Colonel Amy Tullis. They were joined by Massachusetts State Police Lieutenant Evan Breeding, Springfield Police Superintendent Larry Akers, Springfield Fire Department Deputy Chief Michael Hess, Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi with the department’s Honor Guard and Mounted Patrol, and Joe Decaro, Director of the Springfield Department of Veterans’ Services, with colleague’s from his department.
The children were treated to an amusement ride in Santa’s Magical Forest, and Yankee Candle Village provided a holiday scented “Car Jar” for every family.
The memorable night was sponsored by Adam Quenneville Roofing and Siding.
Thank you to Spirit of Springfield!
Mayor Sarno states, “I want to thank Judy Matt and the incredible team at the Spirit of Springfield and all of our sponsors for once again holding this important Public Safety Night at our beloved Bright Nights in Forest Park for all of our military personnel and emergency first responders, including police, fire and paramedics. It is important for everyone to take a moment and thank our brave and dedicated public safety personnel and officials for their service and sacrifice, and keeping our community safe.”
