FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 16, 2021
Springfield Police Department Honors Fallen Officer on One Year Anniversary
This afternoon members of the Springfield Police Department, family, and close friends of fallen Officer Christopher Ryan Walsh came together in a ceremony to honor his memory and sacrifice. During the ceremony, the memorial monument which sits outside of Springfield Police Headquarters, was unveiled to reveal the fresh engraving of Officer Walsh’s name.
One year ago, Officer Walsh was killed while responding to an active shooter call at a Springfield Kum and Go. Three citizens were also killed, Troy Rapp, Shannon Perkins, and Matthew Hicks-Morris, and two others, including Springfield Police Officer Josiah Overton, were severely injured.
During the unveiling ceremony, Police Chief Paul Williams reflected on the difficult occasion, saying, “On March 16, 2020, the Springfield Police Department, the Springfield community, and the Walsh family suffered a loss that has created a hole in our hearts that cannot be filled. … We are here today to remember and recognize the sacrifice of Officer Christopher Ryan Walsh by engraving his name on our memorial to secure his memory for all time.”
Officer Walsh served with the Springfield Police Department for three and a half years and was assigned as a patrol officer after graduating with the 68th Academy. He was also an Army veteran, active in the US Army Reserves for 10 years. He is survived by his wife, Sheri, and his daughter, Morgan.
Sheri Walsh also spoke during the ceremony, reminding us to remember Chris Walsh as more than a fallen officer, but also as a humble man, an adaptable father, a loving son, and a dutiful husband. “Chris was a really sweet, loving man and he did not ever really want any accolades. … But it brings me and my family so much joy to see everyone here today to remember him as we saw him.”
The full recording of the unveiling ceremony can be viewed online here: https://vimeo.com/524493985
The monument which now holds the name of Officer Walsh was donated by the Springfield Police Officers Association and erected in 1995. It includes the names of ten other Springfield officers who have been killed in the line of duty.
# # #
Media Contact: PAO Jasmine Bailey
417-864-1786
[email protected]
Release authorized by Chief Paul Williams