Westfield showing support for fallen officer

WESTFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - In anticipation of Monday's calling hours and Tuesday's funeral, the Westfield community has come together to show their support in different ways.

Drive around Westfield and you'll see how residents are offering condolences in the form of signs, blue lights and flags at half-staff.

"It's still hard to really realize and understand what's going on," said Daniel Lorenzatti who briefly worked with Torres.

Westfield Police Officer Jose Torres was accidentally killed Thursday when he was hit by a dumptruck on Pontoosic Road during a construction detail.

Now, the community is saying goodbye.

Lorenzatti has one of several homes displaying a blue light to honor the fallen officer.

"He was an outstanding human being you know there's no better way to show your support for the family," Lorenzatti added.

Flags around the city are also flying at half staff including the one outside of the funeral home where the community is gathering to pay their final respects.

In Westfield - a police cruiser decorated with a memorial banner outside the funeral home for calling hours, the police department adorned with flowers, and signs around town offering condolences.

A tough moment for Westfield Police bidding farewell to one of their own, and the Torres family, saying goodbye to the husband and father gone too soon.

"I feel bad for the family, you know they lost someone who had a lot of life ahead of him," said Suffield's Nathan Harriman.

The memorial service which is scheduled to being at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday will stream live on our website.