BRISTOL, Conn. — Two Bristol police officers were shot and killed in a gunfight Wednesday night. A third officer was seriously injured.
Sgt. Dustin Demonte and Officer Alex Hamzy were shot and killed after they were lured to a home around 10:30 p.m. on a reported domestic violence incident between two siblings.
Officer Alex Iurato, who responded as well, was shot and seriously injured.
Funeral services for the officer will be held Friday at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field at 11am.
Calling hours for Hamzy will be held Wednesday, October 19 from 12 noon to 8 p.m at the Lyceum 181 Main St. Terryville.
On Monday, Bristol Mayor Jeff Caggiano called for residents to seek support from family, friends and their faith to make it through the days ahead. He asked people to be aware that emergency responders are going through a difficult time.
Two fundraisers will directly benefit Officer Hamzy and Sergeant DeMonte’s families.
The Bristol Police Union has also set up a Bristol Police Heroes Fund with Thomaston Savings Bank. To make a donation to the fund set up at Thomaston Savings Bank you may visit any branch or use the link below.
There is also a secure collection box at the Bristol PD.
Hamzy's family set up the Officer Alex Hamzy Memorial Fund through Main Street Community Foundation. There, money donated will be rewarded as grants to community organizations determined by the family.
Here is everything we know about the officers.
Sgt. Dustin Demonte
Sgt. Dustin Demonte, 35, was hired in 2012 by the Bristol Police Department and was assigned to the patrol division.
Demonte was also a school resource officer at Greene-Hills and West Bristol Schools and an advisor for the Bristol Police Explorer Cadet Program.
Throughout his career, Demonte received several awards including the Silver Star, Officer of the Month, and in 2019 was a co-recipient of Officer of the Year.
Philip Demonte, brother of Dustin, shared a statement with FOX61 Thursday evening, saying:
"He was a great man husband father and most of all brother. Great personality funny sense of humor just someone u always wanted to be around. He lived in North Haven with his wife 2 kids and one on the way. My brother loved his job and would do anything. He is definitely a hero my hero and I will miss him more than you will ever know. Tragic loss that should’ve never happened."
Demonte graduated from Middletown High School in the class of 2005. His surviving mom, Mona Heidel, was a paraeducator within the Middletown school district for nearly 18 years.
“To lose a student, current or former, is an enormously painful experience for educators. To lose a student who was also a child of one of our colleagues, current or former, makes the loss exponentially greater. Sgt. DeMonte, Ms. Heidel, and their family are our family. Today and in the days to come, we grieve with them,” said Middletown Superintendent of Schools Dr. Alberto Vázquez Matos.
Gould said that Demonte was very focused on furthering his career and education. Demonte held a bachelor's degree in criminology with a minor in psychology from Central Connecticut State University.
Demonte is survived by his wife and two kids with one on the way, his parents, and siblings.
Officer Alex Hamzy
Born December 16, 1987, Officer Alex Hamzy was hired by the Bristol Police Department in 2014 and also assigned to the patrol division.
Hamzy was born and raised in Bristol where he attended Bristol Eastern High School, graduating in 2006.
Hamzy was assigned to the Central Region Emergency Response Team (CR-ERT) and also served as an advisor for the Bristol Police Explorer Cadet Program.
In his obituary, his family said that joining the CR-ERT was one of the "many highlights of his career." His family also said that Hamzy was passionate about teaching young adults the values needed to succeed in serving their community through the cadet program.
Gould said that throughout Hamzy's career, he had received numerous letters of commendation and recognition.
"Alex was one in a million, his smile would light up a room. He was always in a good mood and would lighten even the darkest of days with his infectious laughter," his family said.
Hamzy is survived by his wife, parents, and two sisters.
The family set up the Officer Alex Hamzy Memorial Fund through Main Street Community Foundation. There, money donated will be rewarded as grants to community organizations determined by the family.
Officer Alec Iurato
Officer Alec Iurato, 26, was hired in 2018 and assigned to the patrol division.
Iurato also serves on the Central Region Emergency Response Team.
Iurato holds a bachelor of arts degree in government, law, and national security.
He is currently recovering from his serious gunshot wound.
Bristol Police officers killed
---
Have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at newstips@fox61.com
---
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS
Download the FOX61 News APP
iTunes: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Stream Live on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61.
Steam Live on FIRE TV: Search ‘FOX61’ and click ‘Get’ to download.