CHICOPEE, Mass.  - The City of Chicopee held a remembrance and dedication ceremony at the Medina Street boat access to honor and remember two community members who passed away this year.

Aiden Blanchard died after accidentally falling through the ice in February. He was only 11 years old. A bench was dedicated in his name, and now sits at the newly finished boat access.

"Aiden was a very sweet and compassionate boy. He had a big heart and cared about the thoughts and feelings of others. He always gave the best hugs," said Aiden's mom, Michelle.

Blanchard went on to say how many children have lost their lives on the river and wants this to servce as a safety reminder.

"I implore you to teach your children often about the dangers of water and ice along with the misconceptions it holds," Blanchard said.

Also during the ceremony, Jack Coughlin, Jr., of Agawam was honored with a memorial plaque. Coughlin was struck by a car and died in April after fighting for his life in the hospital for months. Coughlin was known for his efforts to clean up trash all over Western Massachusetts and lobbied for the improvements at this boat ramp for more than 15 years. 

Coughlin's son, Sean, says he wishes his dad was alive to see the completed renovations.

"My father should be at my side right now. He lived for the completion of this project. He dedicated hundreds if not thousands of hours to see this project through to the end," said Sean Coughlin.

Jack Coughlin would pick up litter from rivers and roadways daily and advocated for the state's bottle deposit bill to include nips. He leaves a lasting impact for his passion to make the environment a better place.

"I can't tell you how happy I am to know that his name will be on that monument for years to come, if not forever," said Sean Coughlin.

Elected officials, city leaders, friends and family attended the ceremony advocating for public safety, changes in legislation, and to remember both Aiden Blanchard and Jack Coughlin.