Warwick field named after fallen correctional officer who died of COVID-19

Lt. Russell Freeman died in December from complications from COVID-19.

WARWICK, R.I. (WLNE)- A popular softball field in Warwick now has a new name. The Russell Freeman field.

Lt. Russell Freeman, a former ACI correctional officer, spent much of his time with his beloved family, friends and teams at the softball fields at Winslow Park.

That’s why his family says they can’t think of a better way to memorialize his legacy- by naming something after him; that he loved so much.

Lt. Russell Freeman passed away on December 14 from complications from COVID-19.

On Friday, hundreds from the community gathered together to help celebrate the new name of the softball field. Warwick’s Mayor Frank Picozzi also was there to throw out one of the first pitches.

“I know he’s smiling ear to ear with that Big Russ smile. I know this place is his second home,”  Quinn Freeman told ABC6 on Friday.

https://twitter.com/TheStoneFreeman/status/1388482816845955075?s=20

The field dedication is happening on what would have been Freeman’s 53rd birthday.