CHICOPEE, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) – A ribbon cutting was held in Chicopee for new basketball courts at the Boys and Girls Club on Meadow Street honoring the life of a city police officer.

The courts honor the life of Officer Angela Santiago who was killed in an off duty motorcycle crash in Connecticut four years ago.

Her sister Shavonne said Angela left her mark not only while on the force, but through connecting with kids at the Boys and Girls Club making these courts the perfect tribute in her memory.

“She was more of a proactive officer in the community she would see the kids here playing she would stop she would interact with them shoot hoops with them little innocent competition and just keep them moving keep them smiling keep them happy,” expressed Shavonne.

The courts were made possible through community support and fundraising.

Angela also inspired students as Chicopee High School’s Resource Officer, a role she took on months before she died. She also served in the U.S. Army for eight years and was a veteran of operation Iraqi freedom.

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