Ambrose was a "Walking Angel," Charlene Mitchell's cousin says

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The family of another victim of the shooting that took the life of Springfield Police Officer Kevin Ambrose came to the fallen officer’s funeral to pay tribute.

Charlene Mitchell’s cousin, Erica Kyles told 22News that they came to thank Officer Ambrose on behalf of their whole family.

“He saved a lot of lives and we can never express how we truly feel. We're so sorry for his family,” Kyles said.

She says that he guarded Mitchell’s one year-old daughter, Savannah, who was in the apartment at the time of the shooting. Savannah was unharmed and is living with family.

“He was a true hero, walking angel. He put my family's life before his and for that we'll always be grateful,” Kyles said.

Police say that both Mitchell and Ambrose were shot by Mitchell’s estranged boyfriend, Shawn Bryan; against whom Mitchell had just received a restraining order. Mitchell remains hospitalized in stable condition.