My hero: Funerals for 2 Connecticut officers murdered in ambush

Thousands of police officers from throughout the United States gathered at Connecticut’s Pratt and Whitney Stadium on Friday for the funeral of two Bristol officers who were slain last week in an apparent ambush. Lieutenant Dustin Demonte and Sergeant Alex Hamzy were both posthumously promoted.

Laura Demonte, Demonte’s wife, remarked, “Because of you, our family was as close to ideal as it could be.”

This combination of photographs provided by the Connecticut State Police depict, from left, Sgt. Dustin Demontin and Officer Alex Hamzy of the Bristol, Connecticut Police Department. Connecticut State Police

While you may know my officer as a number, he is much more than that, said Hamzy’s wife, Katie Scott Hamzy. “He is my protector, my hero, my life’s love, and of course my heart. I adore you Alex.”

Alongside the family members carrying the deceased were Bristol police officers.

“We are unable to communicate our pain through language. The rage, perplexity, frustration, dread, insecurity, and general melancholy, “Chief of Police of Bristol Brian Gould stated.

Both officers were tragically shot last Wednesday evening after reportedly being lured into a trap by a false 911 call alleging a domestic dispute. Officer Alec Iurato was injured and fatally shot the assailant with a single shot.

Hamzy, 34, was an eight-year member of the police, while Demonte, 35, was a 10-year veteran. He had two children and a third was on the way.

In commemoration of the funeral, a significant portion of Bristol was closed.

Across the nation, 53 police enforcement officers have been shot and killed so far this year, compared to 50 at this time last year.