ITEM PHOTO BY OWEN O’ROURKE
A bronze statue serves as a memorial for fallen police officer Harold L. Vitale at Harold L. Vitale Park in Saugus.
BY LIZ SOOLKIN
SAUGUS — Friends and family gathered on the 25th anniversary at the park named to honor fallen police officer Harold L. Vitale, who was killed in the line of duty 31 years ago.
Vitale Park, on Ballard Street, adjacent to the Fox Hill Yacht Club, features “Artorius,” an abstract bronze statue as he raises his sword above his head in a brave, defiant gesture. The figure was created in Vitale’s and other law enforcement officers’ honor who risk their lives to protect others.
“Even now, 31 years after his death, I still meet people who jump at my last name,” said Robert Vitale, Harold’s brother. “Time and time again, people burst into tears when they talk about my brother.”
Friends who gathered at the tiny park said it is evident that Harold Vitale was a beloved member of the Saugus community. They gathered in his honor to share the joy of his life, as well as the grief of their loss. The event was attended by law enforcement officers, even those who are too young to have known him.
“Everyone who ever met him could only say kind things about him,” said one officer who declined to be identified.
Prior to Harold’s work as a law enforcement officer, he owned an auto repair shop, where he provided help to the Saugus community.
“He was known and beloved by all,” said Robert Vitale. “When he walked through town, every single person would turn and say ‘hello.’ ”
As the years after his death wear on, the memory of Harold’s name and the positive impact he had on his community will never die thanks to his brothers and other members of his family, said Les Vitale.
In the officer’s honor, the Vitale Family Scholarship was created to award $1000 each to six students annually. The grant is given to students who achieve academic excellence and are committed to making positive change in their communities.
The students honored at this year’s event included Tayla Ann Kenny from Saugus High School, Victoria R. Scorzella from Winthrop High School, Catherine Elam from Revere High School, Ally Hinojosa from Revere High School, Courtney Lee Cassidy and Nicholas Anthony Peveri from St. Mary’s High School.
Peveri, a Lynn resident who will attend Merrimack College in the fall, was present at the event on Saturday to receive the scholarship. He said that his father’s profession as a police officer in Lynn has inspired him to join the force. Peveri expressed his gratitude for the opportunity provided by the Vitale family.
“I admire my father and expect to follow in his footsteps to become part of the Lynn law enforcement community,” he said.
