Family, friends and dignitaries gathered on July 16 to honor the life of Gunnery Sgt. Thomas J. Sullivan and celebrate his heroics during a tragic terrorist attack at a Chattanooga naval reserve center 10 years ago.
Reminder Publishing photos by Ryan Feyre
SPRINGFIELD — Ten years after dying during a terrorist attack in 2015, Gunnery Sgt. Thomas J. Sullivan was honored by friends, family and officials for his heroism as a longtime Marine during a ceremony on July 16.
Hundreds of people gathered at Gunnery Sergeant Thomas J. Sullivan Memorial Park on South Branch Parkway to hear speakers celebrate the East Forest Park native’s accomplishments and selflessness throughout his life.
“When someone makes the ultimate sacrifice, especially a Springfield native son in Tommy Sullivan … we will continue to honor him again and again,” Mayor Domenic Sarno said at the July 16 commemoration. “Tommy was one tough guy, but he was a compassionate guy, and he knew when to be tough and when to be compassionate, and that’s what our veterans and public safety individuals do day in and day out.”
Dignitaries said Sullivan sacrificed his life defending a naval reserve center in Chattanooga, Tennessee, from a domestic terrorist attack on July 16, 2015. When the gunman opened fire at the nearby center, Sullivan ran toward the gunfire to protect fellow marines, sailors and other men and women.
Four others were killed at the reserve center in the attack.
“He barked orders, helped others escape and returned to search for anyone left behind,” said Barry Kriger, MC of the ceremony and former 22 News personality. “His courage was instinctive, selfless and cost him his life.”
Sullivan’s body was flown to Bradley International Airport and escorted home by Sampson funeral home and the Springfield Police Department. According to Kriger, the procession shut down Interstate 91 as thousands lined the streets to pay their respects.
“The Sullivan family was able to say goodbye with the dignity and ceremony that Tommy deserved,” Kriger said. “Their quiet strength carried them through those painful days, and their support will never be forgotten.”
Born in Springfield in 1975, Sullivan grew up in the East Forest Park neighborhood, attended Holy Cross School and graduated from Cathedral High School. He served in the United States Marine Corps. for 18 years and was last assigned to Mike Battery, 3rd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Corps Reserve.
Sullivan earned numerous awards during his time in the military, including the Purple Heart Medal and two Gold Stars for wounds he received in action.
He also received the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for his heroism a decade ago.
Police Superintendent Lawrence Akers, a patrol lieutenant at the time of Sullivan’s death in 2015, recalled the heartbreak and devastation he felt when he heard the news of the Chattanooga terrorist attack, as well as the overwhelming feeling he experienced when passing the thousands of people who graced the street 10 years ago.
“As we passed down route 91 north and saw all the people on the bridges [and] the overpasses as we passed under it, yelling and screaming, holding signs, fire trucks lined with the American flag draped over their ladder; it was at that time … I was so proud to be a Springfield police officer, but even more so to be a citizen of the United States of America,” Akers said.
In a collaboration between Sarno, the East Forest Park Neighborhood Council and the Park Commission, the city of Springfield dedicated a new park to Sullivan on South Branch Parkway, across Briarwood Avenue, in 2017.
A public luncheon at Nathan Bill’s Bar & Restaurant followed the July 16 ceremony.
