With 2024 coming to a close, Springfield Police Superintendent Lawrence E. Akers would like to recognize several officers for serving our community this year and saving lives.
Superintendent Akers Recognizes Officers Caldero, A. Rodriguez, Ledgister, Quintana and A. Gonzalez for Saving a Life
Springfield, Mass. --- Springfield Police Superintendent Lawrence E. Akers would like to publicly recognize Officers Jorge Caldero, Alexander Rodriguez, Kimberly Ledgister, Aisha Gonzalez and Nashai Quintana for saving a life.
On Sunday November 10th at approximately 4:15 a.m., officers responded to the intersection of Armory Street and Albany Street for a report of a suicidal female entering the train tracks. Officers located the distraught female sitting on the train tracks. As officers approached the woman, they could see the lights from a train as dispatchers worked with the train company to attempt to stop the train. Officers were quickly able to convince the woman to get off the tracks where they led her to safety. As they escorted her from the tracks, a train went by at a high rate of speed, missing them by several seconds.
Officers convinced the woman to go to Baystate and seek the mental health counseling that she needed.
Superintendent Akers stated, “Every officer involved in this call deserves recognition for their quick-thinking and compassionate response. Their actions undoubtedly saved a life.”
Superintendent Akers Recognizes Officers N. Lopes, Nunez-Lopez, S. Lopez, Serafino, J. Nunez and G. Burgos for Serving our Community & Saving a Life
Springfield, Mass. --- Springfield Police Superintendent Lawrence E. Akers would like to publicly recognize Officers Nathanial Lopes, Winyon Nunez-Lopez, Sebastian Lopez, Anthony Serafino, Juan Nunez and Guillermo Burgos for their actions in saving a life and shining a positive light on our department.
On October 1st, a young male was attempting to kill himself by repeatedly stabbing himself inside a car near Taylor and Federal Streets. Both the FBI’s Supervisory Senior Resident Agent of the Springfield Office and the President & CEO of Action Ambulance reached out to Superintendent Akers about the life-saving actions of these officers.
The President & CEO of Action Ambulance stated in part, “When our crew arrived, they found a young male patient who had self-inflicted approximately 30 stab wounds and your officers were treating the patient. Your initial arriving officers diffused the situation, secured the weapon and, provided immediate life-saving first aid to the victim. These actions combined with rapid transport saved the victim’s life. The Trauma team at Baystate and our EMS providers cannot speak more highly of your officers’ professionalism and live-saving skills. We all salute them.”
The FBI’s Senior Resident Agent in Springfield stated, “Your officers addressed this dangerous situation with professionalism and restraint. I also want to pass along the deep appreciation of the victim’s family who credit the responding Springfield Police Officers with saving his life.”
Superintendent Akers Recognizes Officer Dishawn Ramos-Diaz
Springfield, Mass. — Springfield Police Superintendent Lawrence E. Akers would like to publicly recognize Officer Dishawn Ramos-Diaz for shining a positive light on our department.
Gary Porter of the African Diaspora Mental Health Association sent Superintendent Akers highlighting Officer Ramos-Diaz. In part it reads, “He (Officer Ramos-Diaz) serves as an ambassador for the Springfield Police Department through his dedication and professionalism. He has shown exemplary conduct in the field of community engagement, de-escalation skills, youth mentorship, cultural competence and a commitment to fairness. Officer Ramos-Diaz’s actions continue to reflect the positive impact of policing done right, and he serves as a living example of policing with respect.”
Superintendent Akers Recognizes Officers Serafino and S. Lopez for Serving our Community
Springfield, Mass. --- Springfield Police Superintendent Lawrence E. Akers would like to publicly recognize Officers Anthony Serafino and Sebastian Lopez for serving the public in a manner that shines a positive light on our department.
Superintendent Akers was contacted by the mother whose son was going through a crisis on September 6th on St. James Avenue.
The mother stated in part, “I wanted to make that I recognized the excellent job done by these two officers. My son was having a crisis moment and I was nervous about the police getting involved. When these two officers did arrive, I was so impressed with their patience and professionalism that I wanted to make sure I reached out. These officers treated her son with respect, and stayed on scene for over an hour and until the situation was taken care of and my son received the attention needed.”
Superintendent Akers Recognizes Officer Nathanael Martinez for Serving our Community
Springfield, Mass. --- Springfield Police Superintendent Lawrence E. Akers would like to publicly recognize Officer Nathanael Martinez for serving the public in a manner that shines a positive light on our department.
On December 1st, a victim had their vehicle stolen in the Forest Park neighborhood. The mother of the victim reached out to the Superintendent to commend Officer Martinez.
“I am writing to commend Officer Nate Martinez for capturing the thief that stole my son’s car last night. Luckily for us Martinez was on-duty in Forest Park last night. As a weekly attendant at the C-3 meetings in Forest Park, I know how hard working the police offices are, and how much they care about the residents in Springfield. Officer Martinez has only worked on the force a few years. I hope all your new recruits are as capable and as caring as he is. He is a credit to your police department.”
Superintendent Akers Recognizes Officer Prince Taylor for Serving our Community
Springfield, Mass. --- Springfield Police Superintendent Lawrence E. Akers would like to publicly recognize Officer Prince Taylor for serving the public in a manner that shines a positive light on our department.
On December 9th, officers were notified that a woman and her family were being trespassed from a downtown hotel and she told officers she had a ride on the way. About an hour later, officers observed that the woman and her family including a baby were still outside in the cold and the woman admitted that she did not have a ride. Officer Taylor paid for an Uber for the family to take them back home to Holyoke.
Superintendent Akers stated, “I applaud this officer for ensuring that this family, which had three children; a baby, a two-year-old and a ten-year-old, was given a safe ride home during these cold winter days. When officers returned, they noticed the baby only had on a blanket and the woman was soliciting rides from strangers. His actions deserve to be recognized.”
Superintendent Akers Recognizes Officer J. Marsh for Serving our Community
Springfield, Mass. --- Springfield Police Superintendent Lawrence E. Akers would like to publicly recognize Officer Javante Marsh for serving the public in a manner that shines a positive light on our department.
Superintendent Akers received a call from retired Hampden County Judge Tina Paige who expressed her desire to commend Officer Marsh for his professionalism and compassion.
On Sunday morning December 15th, Judge Paige had an interaction with Officer Marsh near the intersection of Bay Street and Boston Road. She was distraught about entering the cemetery, but Officer Marsh made her feel comfortable and at east during a difficult moment. Judge Paige who has worked closely with many Springfield Police Officers judicial career, remarked that Officer Marsh left her with a positive impression of the Springfield Police Department and its future.
Superintendent Akers stated, “I would like to personally extend my gratitude to Officer Marsh for exemplifying the values we strive for in law enforcement – treating individuals with kindness, respect and genuine care. Thank you, Officer Marsh, for making a meaningful impact and upholding the highest standards of service.”
Superintendent Akers Recognizes Officer John Tosado for Serving our Community
Springfield, Mass. --- Springfield Police Superintendent Lawrence E. Akers would like to publicly recognize Officer John Tosado for serving the public in a manner that shines a positive light on our department.
On Halloween night, a boy was shot in a car in Indian Orchard. Officers assisted in first aid and helped the victim get transported to Baystate where he is expected to make a fully recovery. That night was traumatic for the victim’s family as well. Officer Tosado was working as an extra-detail officer at Baystate late that night and into the morning.
His actions led to a family member of the victim reaching out to the Superintendent to thank Officer Tosado. In part the email read, “He (Officer Tosado) showed us all compassion, understanding, patience and sympathy. That is a rarity these days. I felt that it was important to relay that I and all of the family there were there are grateful for the empathy that he showed us in an already terrifying, stressful situation. So thank you so much Officer John Tosado! Officers like you on the police force are a blessing.”
Superintendent Akers Recognizes SVU Detectives and Domestic Violence Advocate for Serving our Community
Springfield, Mass. --- Springfield Police Superintendent Lawrence E. Akers would like to publicly recognize Special Victims Unit Detectives Luishka Mendez-Vazquez, Samantha Jones, Denise Toledo and Domestic Violence Advocate Sarah Henry for serving the public in a manner that shines a positive light on our department.
On October 31st, a resident wrote a letter to the Superintendent acknowledging and commending the work of our Special Victims Unit.
In part it reads, “These officers intervened in a complicated domestic violence case and provided compassionate support and assistance over a long period of time. Their representation in court and follow-up as recently as last week were critical elements in resolving my case. These officers should be recognized and applauded for their work.”
Superintendent Akers Recognizes Officer Mickiewicz for Serving our Community
Springfield, Mass. --- Springfield Police Superintendent Lawrence E. Akers would like to publicly recognize Office Jamie Mickiewicz for serving the public in a manner that shines a positive light on our department.
On August 12th, Officer Mickiewicz was dispatched to a group home for a well-being check. A paramedic supervisor who co-responded to the area wrote an email to the Superintendent.
In part it reads, “Officer Mickiewicz did a phenomenal job dealing with a pediatric patient in distress. Officer Mickiewicz was kind, caring and exhibited a great amount of patience in a very delicate situation. I cannot praise her enough.”
Superintendent Akers Recognizes Officer D’Amour for Serving our Community
Springfield, Mass. --- Springfield Police Superintendent Lawrence E. Akers would like to publicly recognize Officer James D’Amour for serving the public in a manner that shines a positive light on our department.
On Officer D’Amour’s way home from work he spotted an older gentlemen who had fallen out of his truck. Officer D’Amour stopped and assisted the gentlemen until he got the assistance he needed.
The gentleman’s daughter penned a letter, in part it reads, “I would like to say Thank you for stopping to check on my dad. It goes to show there are people with good hearts still. Though my dad was embarrassed he is appreciative of you stopping and speaking with him as well. Thank you!”
Superintendent Akers Recognizes Officer Edwin Torres for Serving our Community
Springfield, Mass. --- Springfield Police Superintendent Lawrence E. Akers would like to publicly recognize Officer Edwin Torres for serving the public in a manner that shines a positive light on our department.
The management team from the Independence & Costello House reached out to Superintendent Akers to thank Officer Torres for his service on their property.
In part it reads, “Officer Torres has made the staff and residents feel safer and wanted to let his Supervisors know how pleasant and respected he is on this site because of his dedication and showing the care that he has for his work. We also wanted to thank Officer Torres for clarifying certain laws. Although your job must be a tough one, we want to thank you, Officer Torres, for your service to the elderly and disabled community. Thank you for your patience in handling your job respectfully.”
