WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - During the 17-day fair at The Big E, members of the Springfield Police Firearms Investigation Unit were tasked to support safety on September 23rd. Springfield Day was held on Monday, September 23rd with a parade in honor of the city of firsts with local marching bands and even their very own Colleen Court. City leaders, including Springfield Police Superintendent Lawrence Akers, were there to represent the city. City of Springfield announced plans to address panhandling During that night, at around 10:13 p.m. two Springfield men were arrested after a fight in front of the Brooks Building near Gate 5 inside The Big E. As two officers grabbed a suspect and took him to the ground, a group of people surrounded the police acting hostile toward the officers. West Springfield Police Sgt. LaFrance told 22News that a man in the crowd jumped on the back of an officer who was attempting to make an arrest. Davian Lopez and London Jefferson were arrested and both charged with assault and battery on a police officer, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct. In a post by the Springfield Police on Wednesday, Superintendent Lawrence Akers recognized members of the Springfield Police Firearms Investigation Unit for their professionalism while providing support at The Big E Fair. A letter was sent to Superintendent Akers from West Springfield Police Chief Jay Gearing that read in part, "Captain (Brian) Keenan and his Firearms Investigation Unit were a valuable asset in ensuring the success of this year’s fair. Their professionalism and skills should be applauded." The Big E broke an attendance record that day with 86,673 visitors. Those who assisted during Springfield Day include the following: Captain Brian Keenan Sergeant Jaime Bruno Officer Felix Aguirre Officer Jose Robles Officer Sinely Vegerano Officer Alley Bonemary Officer Jason Bacis Officer Mark Provost Officer Duane Lewis Officer Jess McKnight Officer Victor Allder Officer Seth Barker Officer John Barlow "I appreciate the letter from Chief Gearing reinforcing that our Firearms Investigation Unit under the direction of Captain Brian Keenan conduct themselves in a manner that shines a positive light on our department across city lines. This Unit was asked to assist at the Big E on Springfield Day and provided the resources necessary to ensure a safe time was had by all fairgoers. This Unit handles many unique tasks in our city and in other municipalities and they always do so with the utmost professionalism," said Superintendent Akers. Deputy Chief Lawrence Akers was sworn in as the next Springfield Police Superintendent in April after Cheryl Clapprood retired. Local News Headlines Top 10 most Googled Christmas movies Police recognized for providing support during Springfield Day at The Big E Fair Two western Mass. veterans awards home renovations Portion of Pleasant Street in Holyoke closed due to brush fire WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.