John Anthony Dinapoli was a 52-year-old, 21-year veteran of the Holyoke Police Department. On the morning of December 22, 1999, while on administrative duty, he volunteered to back up officers who were responding to a report of two men arguing. Driving an unmarked cruiser, Dinapoli followed one of the men on foot; that man turned and fired several shots into the cruiser. Dinapoli was struck in the shoulder, arm, and abdomen and died a short time later at a local hospital. The shooter fled the scene but was quickly identified as Eddie O. Morales and was apprehended in Pennsylvania several days later. Morales was charged with Officer Dinapoli’s murder.

Officer Dinapoli’s death had a significant impact on the Holyoke community and he is remembered for his service and sacrifice. If anyone knew Officer Dinapoli or witnessed the events of December 22, 1999, please share what you remember.