Exactly 50 years after the tragedy, the Quartu Sant'Elena municipal administration today paid tribute to Vincenzo Fracasso and Pietro Spolitu, the two police officers who were killed in a car accident during a chase, right where the square named after them now stands.
In February 1976, two very young police officers, aboard their patrol car, lost their lives in an accident while chasing two robbers. In what was then the outskirts of Quartu, right at the intersection of Via Colombo and Via Manara, they lost control of their car, which, due to high speed, skidded and struck the building opposite the square.
In memory of the young police officers who died honoring their work, serving the community, the Milia Administration dedicated the square to them three years ago. The simultaneous inauguration of a white bench also allowed a spotlight to be shone on all victims of the workplace, achieving something concrete to defeat silence and indifference, creating a meeting place that also serves as a call for reflection.
On the fiftieth anniversary of the tragedy, another small tribute was paid. Prime Minister Rita Murgioni and a delegation of councilors placed a bouquet of flowers on the white bench in Piazza Spolitu-Fracasso. The families were also presented with a parchment, confirming that the Quartu community does not forget, but rather cherishes the memory to reflect on the deaths of these young men and so many other victims of duty.
"In paying tribute to Officers Pietro Spolitu and Vincenzo Fracasso, we also renew our respect and support for all the men and women of the State Police and other law enforcement agencies, who work every day with dedication and professionalism to ensure safety and legality," commented Quartu City Council President Rita Murgioni. "May their example continue to guide us, and may their sacrifice never be forgotten."