HARTFORD--Over the past two weeks, at least eight officers have been killed nationwide in ambushes, causing apprehension among officers.
In Hartford, Monday was a typical day for police officers, but they're doing their jobs with heavy hearts.
"How can you put on a uniform and drive around the city and not be worried about what's going on on a national level? Our goal is to keep our cops centered, calm, relaxed, and not in fear for their life," said Deputy Chief Brian Foley, the public information officer for the department.
However, there was one encouraging site: a line of hopeful police recruits at the Hartford Police Department. Foley was impressed, saying it must have been tough for them to walk in on a day where tragedy is on everyone's mind.
Meanwhile, there was another event on Monday that helped lift the spirits of officers: Hartford Police teamed up with Make-a-Wish Foundation to escort a 10-year-old girl and her family to the airport as they head to SeaWorld in Orlando, Florida.
Foley said, “These guys all feel good about what they're doing.”
He added that he hopes the new recruits he saw earlier in the day will also one day enjoy similar situations in uniform.
FOX 61 also did a ride-along on Monday with Officer Chris White, a combat veteran of the U.S. Marine Corp who's been on the streets of Hartford for 13 years.
White said he never used to be afraid, but current events are starting to hit home. "I will say I now have different feelings. I still feel the same way in terms of the community. I'm here to serve and do my job. Am I aware of what's going on? Do I need to be a lot more mindful of my actions in terms of not being complacent? Yes. Absolutely, White said.
White went on to add, “It's now becoming a reality I may be legitimately harmed out here based on someone else's actions or feelings concerning police officers.”
