By Laura Bailey
The Bristol Police Department held a ceremony Friday to honor the memory of Sgt. Alex Hamzy and Lt. Dustin DeMonte, who were killed in the line of duty on Oct. 12, 2022. Saturday marks the two-year anniversary of the tragic shooting that also severely injured Officer Alec Iurato.
“The door display will serve as a testament to our commitment as an agency to never forget the sacrifice that Dustin and Alex made on Oct. 12, 2022,” Police Chief Mark Morello said during the ceremony.
“It also serves as a reminder of the bonds that our agency has with our Bristol community. To the Demonte and Hamzy families, we hope that there’s some comfort in knowing that Dustin and Alex will forever be remembered and forever in our hearts.”
The memorial, prominently displayed in the department’s lobby, features the preserved doors of a police cruiser that stood outside the Bristol Police station from Oct. 12, 2022, to Jan. 23, 2023.
Thousands came to pay their respects to the fallen officers by surrounding the cruiser with an outpouring of flowers, cards, balloons, letters, and candles. Hundreds of residents left messages of love and gratitude for the fallen officers and the Bristol Police Department.
Morello requested a moment of silence in remembrance of Lt. DeMonte, Sgt. Hamzy and all law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in service to their communities.
Bristol Police Chief Mark Morello. Bristol Mayor Jeffrey Caggiano. | Laura Bailey
The memorial inside the Bristol Police station. | Laura Bailey
Following the moment of silence, Morello expressed gratitude to the Bristol Police Memorial Committee and community members who helped make the memorial display possible.
He acknowledged retired Police Chief Brian Gould, Mayor Jeffrey Caggiano, City Councilor Sue Tyler, Public Works employee Jason Morocco, Bristol Firefighter Chris Hayden, Police Commissioner Paul Lemieux, Attorney Ed Kawiecki, BPRYCS Superintendent Dr. Josh Medeiros, Bristol Police Officer James Pelletier, former Bristol Mayor John Leone and administrative assistant Lisa Ziogas for their efforts to make the memorial display possible.
“Over the two years, I really appreciate what the community has done to come together to not only support our two families, and there are members from both those families here, so my heart and prayers still go out to the Demonte and Hamzy and families,” Caggiano said.
“The Bristol strong community has done an unbelievable job to support those families and the rest of our police officers and I’m proud to say that they’ve been very resilient.”
Caggiano said there is a similar memorial of the other two doors upstairs in the police training room.
“It’s important to take time to remember these brave men,” said Bristol resident Anne-Marie Desroberts. “They’re heroes and I’m glad to see the community come together for them.”
The memorial honoring the sacrifice of Sgt. Hamzy and Lt. DeMonte is open to members of the public who wish to see the display in the lobby of the Bristol Police Department.
Laura Bailey can be reached at lbailey@bristoledition.org
All TBE readers, supporters and donors — Important
Help us bring back local news with a donation today. Local is where we connect. Believe that local news is important? Support our work.
