HOLYOKE, Mass (WWLP) - A day of remembrance in Holyoke right before the holidays. 25 years ago today on December 22, 1999, Holyoke Police Officer John DiNapoli made the ultimate sacrifice while on duty. Every year, the Police Department and the community come together to place a wreath at the monument, remembering and honoring DiNapoli. He was offering his assistance as back up to other Holyoke officers when the suspect turned around and fired multiple shots at his cruiser. DiNapoli died shortly after at a hospital. The man who killed him, Eddie Morales, is currently serving a life sentence in prison without parole. He was a 21 year veteran of the force at the time of his death and left behind his wife and two children. His son Andy, followed in his father's footsteps, he is a lieutenant at the Holyoke Police Department. "Working here at the Holyoke Police Department, I still work with a couple people who actually worked with my dad," said John DiNapoli's son, Andy DiNapoli. But through hardship and tragedy, a family has formed "They watch out for me. You know they razz me sometimes so that makes me makes you feel really good. I'm sure my dad is smiling down on them, happier and proud to see me here," said Andy DiNapoli. For many, December 22, 1999, a day so close to the holidays, is day they will never forget. "I was in the middle school when that happened and I remember it like it was last week or even yesterday," said Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia. And despite the freezing temperatures this morning, the city of Holyoke came together honoring and remembering not only the legacy of John DiNapoli, but also other fallen Holyoke police officers. "One of the other offices that's on the back of the monument right now it was my uncle James Gatzounas and he passed away in the line of duty as well, so unfortunately, my family has two names on the back of the monument," said Andy DiNapoli. A hard day every year, but even with the cold, the community came together in support. "we take these opportunities to come together and just remember those moments and do what we can continue to support each other and as we try to really build our community," said Mayor Garcia.