A Massachusetts mom and son are heading to the Tremendous Bowl in honor of their police officer husband and father, killed within the line of obligation, because of a shock from Patriots proprietor Robert Kraft.
Stephen LaPorta had been an “avid” Patriots fan earlier than the Uxbridge police officer’s tragic loss of life earlier this month, simply days earlier than New England began its playoff run.
LaPorta died on the age of 43 within the early morning hours of Jan. 7, when an operator of a tractor-trailer crashed into the officer making an attempt to assist a motorist within the northbound lanes of Route 146. The crash stays underneath investigation.
The Patriots have posted a video on their social media accounts displaying Shannon and Matthew LaPorta on a visit to Gillette Stadium. The mom and son believed they had been in Foxboro to tour the workforce’s amenities.
“In actuality, they had been about to be shocked with one thing a lot greater by Patriot Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft,” the group wrote in a press release initially of the video.
Moments into the video, Shannon LaPorta is seen wiping her eyes, whereas Matthew, age 13, seems to be at his mom in awe. This got here after Kraft informed them the surprising: He was sending them to Santa Clara to root for the Patriots within the Tremendous Bowl towards Seattle.
“We needed to current you with a particular shock,” Kraft informed the mom and son. “We’re sending you there in dad’s honor.”
Shannon LaPorta responded, “These are comfortable tears.”
“That is like the perfect second of my life, like as we speak,” the mom later added. “I’m really blessed and grateful for all of the outpour and help on this group and round.”
Matthew’s pleasure was evident as effectively, as he pumped his fist and belted out, “Go Pats.”
In June 2024, the Uxbridge Police Division celebrated LaPorta’s promotion to full-time patrolman, reaching a “lifelong dream,” in response to his obituary. He beforehand labored as a dispatcher and part-time police officer.
LaPorta “proudly” wore badge no. 31 for the Uxbridge Police Division.
The division reacted to Kraft’s shock Tremendous Bowl ticket giveaway, saying it had “no phrases.”
“The New England Patriots are sending Shannon LaPorta and Matthew LaPorta to the Tremendous Bowl,” the division said in a Fb put up on Tuesday evening. “There are not any phrases. Unbelievable. Completely unreal. What a technique to honor Steve. #letsfinishthisforsteve #winfor31 #gopats”
LaPorta has been honored all through the Patriots’ run to the Tremendous Bowl. Earlier than the Wild Card recreation towards the Chargers on Jan. 11, the group paid tribute to the fallen police officer with a second of silence.
“Stephen was an avid Boston sports activities fan who proudly supported the Bruins, Patriots, and Pink Sox, by no means lacking a possibility to cheer on his groups,” LaPorta’s obituary reads. “He additionally had a deep love for music and was a loyal fan of Kenny Chesney, having fun with his music at any time when he might. These passions mirrored Stephen’s heat spirit and appreciation for all times past his service.”
