HARTFORD, Conn — As local officials mourn the death of a fallen Hartford officer who was killed in a crash that also left another officer hospitalized on Wednesday night, we are getting more information on who they were.
Officer Robert "Bobby" Garten, who was killed in the crash, was an 8-year veteran of the department and a second-generation officer. Garten served in the patrol division and as part of the Hartford Police Department Marine Unit.
He grew up in nearby Wethersfield and enjoyed going to the now-defunct Hartford Whalers NHL hockey games as a kid and Hartford Yard Goats minor league baseball games as an adult, Hartford Police Chief Jason Thody and Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin said.
Garten worked patrol walking city streets before joining the department's street crimes unit two years ago, Thody said. The unit focuses on gun violence and taking firearms off the street, Thody said.
"We are devastated at the loss of Bobby," said Thody. "He was an amazing person that exemplified what it means to be a Hartford Police Officer. His commitment to serve was above reproach. Our HPD family has come together to support Bobby's family, honor his memory, and do what he would want us to do, protect and serve the Hartford community."
Bronin said Garten was someone who loved Hartford and loved the Hartford Police Department. He described him as someone who served the community with distinction, courage, skill and compassion.
Former Hartford Police Officer Jill Kidik was one of Garten's trainers in the police force. She said he was one of the "best cops that I had the privilege of training and the privilege of spending time outside of the (police department)."
"It's a surreal fact to absorb that Bobby was the victim of that crash," she said. "It's a huge loss. You don't get a lot of cops like him."
Funeral arrangements were not immediately announced.
Officer Brian Kearney, who is in stable but guarded condition, was another officer involved in the crash. Additional information is not yet known about the officer.
As FOX61 learns more information, we will continue to update the story. Check back for updates.
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