"They thought they were going somewhere to help and their lives were needlessly taken," Bristol Police Chief Brian Gould told a few hundred residents attending a vigil at Bristol Eastern High School.
Gould was speaking of three officers who police believe were lured to a Bristol home with a 911 call Wednesday night, then ambushed by a man firing what was reportedly an assault rifle.
Chief Gould spoke at a podium in front of large, poster-sized photos of Sgt. Dustin Demonte, 35, and Officer Alex Hamzy, 34, who were killed. He says they were both highly decorated. Officer Alec Iurato, 26, was shot and survived. By midday Thursday, he was released from St. Francis Hospital in Hartford.
The alleged shooter, Nicholas Brutcher, 35, was killed. His brother, Nathan Brutcher, 32, was shot and hospitalized.
John Torres of Bristol is related to Officer Hamzy's family by marriage. He says, "They're devastated. Their heart is broken to see a young man die at so young an age." Torres calls Hamzy a family-oriented person who always wanted to help the community.
Chief Gould complimented the community for being tremendously supportive since news of the shooting broke. Resident Al Gerkol agreed, after attending the vigil: "It was a solemn moment. The respect for the police is really shown here. We should support them with all our heart: The two fallen heroes of Bristol."
Demonte leaves a wife and two children, and another child on the way. Hamzy leaves a wife.
A Bristol Police Heroes' Fund to support the victims' families has been set up through Thomaston Savings Bank, according to Bristol Mayor Jeff Caggiano.
