Page 6 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – Friday, June 19, 2020 Honoring a fallen Saugus patrolman SHS senior Christopher Benoit among four students receiving Officer Harold L. Vitale Scholarship A Saugus High School senior is among four area high school students recently named scholarship recipients from the Officer Harold L Vitale Memorial Fund – which honors the Saugus police officer who was killed in the line of duty 35 years ago. Christopher Benoit, who is scheduled to graduate next month with the Saugus High School Class SABATINO INSURANCE AGENCY Call for a Quote 617-387-7466 Or email Rocco@sabatino-ins.com We cover: * Auto * Home * Boat * Renter * Condo * Life * Multi-Policy Discounts * Commercial 10% Discounts * Registry Service Also Available of 2020, received the scholarship virtually because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Normally, the awards are presented during a gathering of the recipient families at the Officer Vitale Memorial Park on Ballard Street. This year’s award recipients also are Michael Hayes, Revere High School; Gabriela Diaz-Martinez, St. Mary’s High School, Lynn; and Joshua Perez, St. Mary’s High School, Lynn. “It was a little disappointing http://www.sabatino-ins.com SABATINO 564 Broadway Everett, MA 02149 617-387-7466 Hours of Operation are: Mondays - Fridays 9am to 5pm Saturdays by appointment only J& • Reliable Mowing Service • Spring & Fall Cleanups • Mulch & Edging • Sod or Seed Lawns • Shrub Planting & Trimming • Water & Sewer Repairs Joe Pierotti, Jr. to award these scholarships without having the opportunity to host our annual Memorial Park reception and meet the students and their families but still rewarding nonetheless,” said Les Vitale, brother of the late officer. “For nearly 30 years we’ve been able to host our ceremony at the Memorial Park. Regardless of weather and other challenges, we’ve always managed to provide cover, rain or shine, enjoy some refreshments and spend some quality time meeting and mingling with the students and their families and snap some photos with big smiles on all their faces,” he said. “The pandemic is creating some abnormal situations, but we improvised and found a way to press forward.” Chris is the younger brother to Nick Benoit, a member of the Saugus High School Class of 2013. Nick, who played football at Saugus High, went on to be a football star at Norwich University. After completing his Police Academy training, he was appointed a S LANDSCAPE & MASONRY CO. Masonry - Asphalt • Brick or Block Steps • Brick or Block Walls • Concrete or Brick Paver Patios & Walkways • Brick Re-Pointing • Asphalt Paving www.JandSlandscape-masonry.com • Senior Discount • Free Estimates • Licensed & Insured 617-389-1490 Designing and Constructing Ideas that are “Grounds for Success” Landscaping SAUGUS HIGH CLASS OF 2020: Christopher Benoit, of Saugus, is one of four area students recently named recipients of the Officer Harold L. Vitale Scholarship. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) member of the Concord Police Department last fall. “Chris was inspired by his older brother Nick and hopes to follow in his footsteps,” Vitale said. Chris was a member of the Saugus High Basketball team and was the recipient of the Coaches Award in the 201718 season. The Officer Harold L. Vitale Memorial Fund presented the awards virtually last Sunday (June 14) on the day that coincides with the late officer’s 77th birthday and the eve of the 35th Anniversary of his ultimate sacrifice. Dick Vitale said, “Awarding scholarships virtually felt odd, but in many ways these scholarships are more important than ever. These kids are facing unprecedented times; some don’t even know yet if they’ll be able to get to enjoy the traditional freshman experience on a college campus. One thing for sure, despite the pandemic the cost of a college education continues to rise, so we hope our small contribution will help them cope with the challenges they are about to face.” He went on to say, “Traditionally, we look forward to this day with the community, but this year we had to do the right thing and practice social distancing and remain safe.” Vitale Scholarships in 28th year Bob Vitale, a retired Transit police officer, said, “With Father’s Day just a week away, this is always a special time of year for our family, and to top it off, June 18th is the 35th Anniversary of Harold’s death, and Sunday, June 14, which is Flag Day, would have been his 77th birthday and the 28 consecutive years the Fund has granted scholarships. Honestly, it is probably not something we expected to be doing for so long and it’s very satisfying. Our events became a symbol of unity and support to the members of the Saugus Police Department who continue to perform their difficult job every day. We take pride in showing our support and respect for the job they continue to do every day.” Eileen Vitale, wife of the late officer, remarked, “June 18 is always a tough day for me; it always has been, and always will be. I love the things we do to recognize Harold. The Park Reception and our annual golf tournament held each August are among my favorites. Unfortunately, this year the pandemic has caused us to pause and improvise our approach to both gatherings. But the pandemic won’t stop us; we’ll continue to find ways to keep Harold’s memory alive. Our charity work allows us to continue supporting our victims advocacy organizations, like National and NE C.O.P.S. (National Concerns of Police Survivors and N.E. C.O.P.S.) and the N.L.E.O.M.F. (National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund), both are amazing organizations who sought out to help us back in 1985.” The Officer Vitale Memorial Fund, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization and was created in 1992 some seven years after Officer Vitale’s death. Officer Vitale was killed in the line of duty in the early morning hours of June 18, 1985, while attempting to make an arrest when he was dragged more than 1,000 feet to his death. Officer Vitale was 42 at the time and married to his wife, Eileen, where he lived in Ipswich with three children: Paul, Michelle and JacLyn. Officer Vitale’s badge #17 was retired upon his death. The Officer Vitale Memorial Park was constructed by the Town of Saugus in 1992 in his honor. The Memorial Fund Annual Golf Tournament usually held the first Monday in August at Ipswich Country Club has also been postponed. Information submitted by Les Vitale, President Officer, Harold L. Vitale Memorial Fund, Inc. c/o Conifer Hill Advisors, LLC, 99 Conifer Hill Dr., Suite 202, Danvers, MA 01923, or visit on the web at www.vitalememorialfund.org.
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