Spfld. Officer Ambrose to be honored

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - A special Medal of Honor ceremony will take place Thursday night for several Springfield Police officers and a State Trooper, who risked their lives in the line of duty.

Of those being honored is the late Springfield Officer Kevin Ambrose, who died in the line of duty back in June. The veteran officer was trying to help a woman whose boyfriend had threatened her. Police said the boyfriend, who was a New York City corrections officer, opened fire and killed Ambrose at the woman's apartment building. Amrbose's family will accept the medal of honor in his name.

Four other law-enforcement officials will also be receiving medals, Thursday night, for their role in the April 2011 incident involving the arrest of escaped convict, Tamik Kirkland. Kirkland was shot by police after he allegedly opened fire at a barber shop. He's a accused of killing a customer and wounding the barber. One of the Springfield officers and a State Trooper were also shot in a shootout with the suspect.

The Medal of Honor ceremony will begin at 6 PM at Central High School, which is located at 1840 Roosevelt Avenue in Springfield.

The public is invited to attend and show their support.