Ludlow officers receive commendation for Wilbraham shooting

LUDLOW, MA (WGGB/WSHM) - Eight first responders from the Ludlow Police Department were commended for their bravery on that cold January night for assisting a Wilbraham officer who was shot in the line of duty.

In a short ceremony, eight officers and dispatchers from the town’s police department were handed letters of commendation by the Board of Selectmen and Ludlow Police Chief Daniel Valadas. It was all related to their heroic actions back on January 20 when Wilbraham Police needed assistance following a domestic disturbance on Old Carriage Drive, when gun shots rang out and injured Officer Cameron Prosperi.

“The adrenaline’s going at that point because you want to help that person out,” said Patrolman Adam Roach. “And I get there as fast as possible and alleviate that threat that’s going on. I have to make sure all of the other officers on scene are safe.”

Patrolman Adam Roach was among the first responders who rushed to the scene following the call for backup. He and other officers, including Ryan Churchill, were asked to set up a perimeter as the scene remained active and the suspect’s whereabouts, at the time, were unknown while also making sure their brother in blue received proper medical attention.

“Obviously, this is the situation that we train for, but we hope that doesn’t happen,” added Officer Ryan Churchill. “You can’t really let emotions get in the way. You just got to have a job to do, you arrive there, you grab the equipment you need, you get as much information as you can, and you just approach it the best you can.”

Knowing how tense the situation was at the time, Valadas was concerned when his officers responded to that situation.

“When I got the call that night and I heard my officers were securing a perimeter and that they went to an armed assailant who was still armed and barricaded, you will always feel for the officers,” Valadas explained.

Prosperi eventually recovered and spent several days in the hospital before returning home in February.

The suspect, 59-year-old Michael Ortega, who was also injured in the incident, was taken into custody that night and is currently facing several charges.

That said, things could have taken a turn for the worse had some of Ludlow’s finest not assisted. As he expressed how proud he was of his officers, Valadas said this should serve as a reminder to support those who protect their communities.

“Honor your public safety, your firefighters, your police officers, your dispatchers,” added Chief Valadas. “These people provide the services that you count on so much, and when you’re in need, you’re going to dial 911 and it’s these people that answer that call.”

While they were honored for receiving the commendation letters, Roach and Churchill told Western Mass News that’s not what is important.

“Naturally, I’m not really good with these situations because we do the job,” said Churchill. “You don’t expect anything in return. We appreciate the support from the community, so that’s the most important part.”

“Very honored,” expressed Roach. “But we’re just doing our job honestly. Pretty humble in that respect, don’t really seek rewards or attention like that so it’s...We’re just doing our job and trying to protect the public and fellow officers. That’s what we do every day.”

We should note Prosperi was not at Tuesday’s ceremony, although he continues to receive support from both his colleagues and the community. Valadas said he has been in touch with him and the Wilbraham Police Department and said he is doing well and wishes him a full recovery, but on Tuesday, it was all about these Ludlow first responders who sacrificed themselves during an emotional and tense situation no one should be in.