The mayor of Bristol and the police chief held a news conference Thursday morning to give thanks to people who have supported them as the city continues to mourn the two officers who were killed in the line of duty two weeks ago and they put out a call for certified police officers to join the department.
They also gave an update on fundraising efforts since the tragedy on Oct. 12 and the healing process.
Two weeks ago, Bristol police Sgt. Alex Hamzy and Lt. Dustin Demonte were shot and killed while responding to a 911 call. Officer Alec Iurato was also shot and is continuing to recover from his injuries.
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In the time since the shooting, the community has come together to raise money to support the fallen officers' families and the police department.
During a news conference on Wednesday, Bristol Police Chief Brian Gould thanked everyone who has shown support to the Bristol police department since the tragedy.
“On the day that we did our first press conference, I asked the community simply, we needed you. We needed your thoughts and prayers and you have gone above and beyond and thank you for that,” Gould said. “It’s so much appreciated. As we start to get back on our feet and start to attend to our mission of protecting the community of Bristol with integrity and professionalism.”
Gould thanked the law enforcement agencies that have stepped forward with support, from across Connecticut and across the nation.
He said several departments from across the state have helped protect and serve Bristol.
“We can’t do this alone and we’re seeing that we’re not alone,” Gould said, and the department is very appreciative.
“As we move forward, we have to rebuild. We’ve had a critical injury to our agency and now we have to continue to move forward and that requires healing and the wellness of our officers is of top priority,” Gould said.
“We often hear terms about heroes and such. Unquestionably, these people that serve on the front lines are truly heroes, but one thing that they are not is superheroes. Superheroes are fictional and denotes that you have special powers and abilities – faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, able to leap tall buildings in a single bound -- I think you get the point. That’s not real. They’re human beings. So, they’re out there and they’re truly remarkable and amazing that they’re getting back in the saddle and going out what they took the oath and swore to do without these superpowers and while they are grieving.”
Gould said they have had to make adjustments in how the department operates to protect and serve the people of Bristol and they will need to hire quality police officers and do it quickly.
He said it takes about a year to hire a new officer and the department is focused on certified police officers.
“We’re putting out a call. We need quality, certified police officers,” Gould said.
A certified police officer can begin working in four to six weeks, or less, depending on experience. Gould said.
Gould said during the news conference that he is looking to recruit qualified, certified police officers and he is looking to bring in a minimum of 10, 15 or 20 officers.
He said people interested in applying to the police department apply online through the city's website.
Gould also called for the community not to forget the families of the fall officers or Officer Iurato.
Gould and Mayor Jeffrey Caggiano held the news conference to give an update from the Bristol Police Department.
Caggiano said there are two major funds that have been set up and are approved and more than $825,000 has been donated between the two funds.
He also said he has also received one personal check for $30,000 from a resident of Old Saybrook.
The donations made to support the Bristol Police Heroes Fund have reached $310,000.
Donations are being accepted at all Thomaston Savings Bank branches, online, and by mail. Learn more on the Thomaston Savings Bank website here.
In addition to monetary donations, people have been bringing large amounts of food to the police department. Support from the community is appreciated, but officials said the have had to donate food to other organizations.
They ask people who want to hold a benefit or donate to the police department reach out first.
City officials said there would be no update on the ongoing investigation because it is being handled by Connecticut State Police.
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