Mourners honoring fallen police officers fill BEHS auditorium

Police officers and firefighters stand at attention while mourners enter Bristol Eastern High School for the vigil in honor of fallen Bristol police officers. | David Fortier

Posted By: Staff October 13, 2022

Mourners filed past police officers and firefighters standing at attention to fill the Bristol Eastern High School auditorium to overflow capacity for a silent vigil and gathering in honor of Bristol police officers Sgt. Dustin Demonte, 35, and Officer Alex Hamzy, 34, who were killed Wednesday night in a shooting on Redstone Hill Road, and a third officer, Alec Iurato, 26, who was seriously injured.

Mayor Jeffrey Caggiano, Police Chief Brian Gould and Pastor Dustin Alley of Liberty Baptist Church led the vigil, with the mayor and police chief addressing the crowd. Alley led a prayer for the police officers and their families.

In the audience were Gov. Ned Lamont, Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal.

A posting on the Mayor’s Facebook Page, announcing the vigil also included the following:

“A ‘Bristol Police Heroes Fund’ has been established through the Bristol Police Union at Thomaston Savings Bank to support the families. Donations are currently being accepted at all branches and additional donation opportunities will be forthcoming.”

Earlier in the day, an 11 a.m. service was held at Good Shepherd Church on Stafford Avenue. The service, led by Father Link Hullar for the officers in last night’s shooting and their families, welcomed all.

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