BRISTOL, Connecticut — Thursday marks one year since tragedy struck the city of Bristol. Lt. Dustin DeMonte and Sgt. Alex Hamzy died in the line of duty. They were shot and killed in an ambush responding to a 911 call. Officer Alec Iurato was wounded in that ambush attack.
This loss impacted families, the police force, and the entire community. Thursday night, that community showed up to honor the fallen officers at a candlelight vigil.
“I feel like it happened yesterday,” said Jerome Floyd.
Heartbreak is still reverberating in Bristol.
“It shouldn’t have happened. That’s all I can say,” said Floyd.
A night that changed many lives but especially those who knew them best, their family.
“It’s hard. It’s always going to be hard. I don’t think that’s ever going to change,” said Hamzy’s cousin, Gabby.
The vigil was held outside the new memorial dedicated to the fallen officers’ sacrifice.
“In this candlelit moment, we see not only the darkness of loss but also the love that surrounds us. It can be easy to succumb to grief and anchor, but let us instead honor and remember the qualities that define how my brother and Dustin lived,” said Hamzy’s sister, Donna.
Qualities that still make a difference in people's lives.
“I had met Lt. Demonte one day when almost overdosed on pills and being blacked out. I’m three years sober now and if it wasn’t for him I’d probably wouldn’t be here talking to you,” said Jamie Perchiano.
One year after tragedy struck this city, one thing remains:
“We are here for each other. We stand strong. Bristol Strong,” said Perchiano.
DeAndria Turner is a multi-media journalist at FOX61 News. She can be reached at dturner@fox61.com.
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