Overwhelming support for Rutland Police detective fighting COVID-19

WORCESTER, Mass. — A massive showing of support was on display Saturday afternoon in Worcester for a police detective in critical condition at Saint Vincent Hospital where he is being treated for COVID-19.

Detective John Songy has been out of work for at least two weeks, according to Rutland’s police chief, and officers wanted to do something to show Songy and his family how much they support him.

Within days, what they thought might be a hundred vehicles taking part in a ride from Rutland to Worcester wound up being hundreds.

“It’s very overwhelming for me, but I know my husband and I know how much I love and care about him and it just speaks volumes about the type of person that he is,” said Joanne Songy, John’s wife.

She spoke from the heart, describing her husband and his intense fight with coronavirus. His might has been recognized by many beyond Rutland, including Michael Matterazzo of Framingham.

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“I think this kind of movement will really show his family that there are a lot of people looking out for him, praying that he gets well, and we're really here fighting for him,” Matterazzo said.

Police Chief Nick Monaco said the message officers and civilians hoped to send to Songy is that the entire community supports him, Rutland and beyond.

That said, friends and coworkers say Songy is deeply private and would not enjoy this level of attention.

“He's probably going to punch me in the face when he sees all this, but I'm going to accept that with open arms,” said Officer Jesse Catino, the ride organizer.

Songy is in critical but stable condition, according his wife Joanne.

“With his strength and all of the strength and support that he has right here, he’s going to pull through this, I believe that," she said.

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