Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Staff Writer CHICOPEE Francisco Rodriguez, a 16-year-old Holyoke resident, started ringing bells and collecting donations for the Salvation Army because he likes to help kids. On Dec. 15, Rodriguez showed that he really does like to help kids. Rodriguez was honored in a ceremony at the Chicopee Wal-Mart last Thursday for his actions in preventing the kidnapping of a child, and not letting the suspected perpetrator escape until police arrived. Rodriguez told Reminder Publications that the suspect put money in his kettle, then returned to his car, where he remained for about 30 minutes. Rodriguez said he saw the man grab for a baby, and watched a brief struggle between the man and the woman holding the baby. Rodriguez leapt into action and subdued the man, holding him until police arrived to arrest him. "I wasn't going to let him go," Rodriguez said. Timothy A. O'Grady, president of the Chicopee Police Patrolmen's Union, praised Rodriguez's efforts. Not only did he help subdue the suspect, O'Grady said, "but he also cooperated with police during the completion of the investigation." "Francisco demonstrated courage and bravery not taking into consideration his own safety," O'Grady said. O'Grady presented Rodriguez with a certificate of appreciation, four movie passes to Marquee Cinemas, and a $50 Holyoke Mall gift certificate. The union also donated $100 to the Salvation Army in Francisco's name. "[Rodriguez] could have probably collected more money on that evening if he hadn't been a hero," O'Grady said. Wal-Mart presented Rodriguez with a "good job pin," which is normally reserved for employees, and a $250 Wal-Mart gift card. Rodriguez was also presented a card from Wal-Mart that read: "It takes one seed to make a garden; it takes one smile to lift a spirit; it takes one candle to light a room; it takes one person to make all the difference." | ||||||
