PrenticeNet

Lee W. Prentice, passed away Mon. He was born on Sept. 25, 1961 in Cincinnati, OH to Leslie and Delight ( Smith ) Prentice. Lee grew up in the Sixteen Acres section of Springfield and graduated in 1979 from Classical High School. He went on to graduate with a degree in Law Enforcement from Western New England College. Lee was assigned to the Detective Bureau of the Springfield Police Dept. for 28 years. He received commendations for an arrest in an armed robbery in 2002 and for his assistance in a murder investigation in 2013. Lee was nationally recognized for his expertise in forensics and finger printing. He was an avid golfer and active member of the Country Club of Wilbraham. Besides his parents, he is survived by his wife Judith Prentice and his two daughters, Elizabeth Prentice of Agawam and Margaret Prentice of East Longmeadow, his brother Eric Prentice and his wife Christine of Agawam., his sister Carolyn Bacon and her husband David of East Windsor, CT., and his partner Susan Netter of E. Longmeadow. Funeral Services will be held FRIDAY 1:30 PM in Trinity United Methodist Church, 361 Sumner Ave., Spfld. Burial will follow in Hillcrest Park Cemetery, 895 Parker St., Spfld. Calling Hours will be held THURSDAY from 4 to 7 PM in the SAMPSON’S CHAPEL OF THE ACRES FUNERAL HOME, 21 TINKHAM RD., SPFLD. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be to the M.S.P.C.A. 350 South Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02130.

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http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2014/05/springfield_police_department_19.html
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SPRINGFIELD -- The Springfield Police Department is mourning the loss of Officer Lee Prentice, a 28-year veteran of the force, long known for his expertise in fingerprint analysis and his concern for those he worked with.

Prentice, 52 died of a suspected heart attack at his home over the weekend, Sgt. John M. Delaney said.

Prentice joined the force on May 29, 1986. He was transferred to the Records Division in 1989 and the Detective Bureau in 1994. Prentice worked in forensics unit and gained renown throughout the state as latent fingerprint examiner.

�"He was one of the most respected latent print examiners in the state,” Delaney, aide to Commissioner William Fitchet, said. �"Outside departments always would request his analysis due to his skills. He has solved hundreds of cases for the Springfield Police Department. He gave 110 percent to every case that he worked.”

Prentice was well-known within the department for his friendly ways and concern for others, Delaney said. �"He did a lot of little things for people around the department,” he said. �"He did them because he was a nice guy. He will be deeply missed."

Prentice was commended at least three times over the course of his career for his work in helping to solve crimes. In 2001, he received a commendation for his work in an armed robbery case; in 2002, for his work on a stabbing case and in 2013, for his work in a murder case, Delaney said.

The Wilbraham Police Department honored Prentice on its Facebook page:

�"WPD extends its thoughts and prayers to the Springfield Police Department, Family, and Friends of Officer Lee Prentice….. He was well known throughout the region as being an expert in fingerprint identification. Lee was instrumental in assisting WPD investigators solve numerous housebreaks and other crimes with his expertise in fingerprint identification. You will be missed, Rest in Peace....”

Calling hours for Prentice will be held Thursday, from 4 to 7 p.m., at Sampson Chapel of the Acres, 21 Tinkham Road. A memorial service will be held Friday,1:30 p.m., at Trinity United Methodist Church, 361 Sumner Ave.

Burial service will follow at Hillcrest Park Cemetery, 895 Parker St.