Funeral Services Announced For Slain Bristol Police Officers

By Justin Muszynski, The Bristol Press

BRISTOL, CT — The funeral services for two Bristol police officers killed last week at the hands of a rifle-wielding man are expected to draw such a community response that they are being held on Friday at an East Hartford sports stadium.

The public services for Dustin DeMonte and Alex Hamzy will take place at 11 a.m., at Pratt and Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field, located at 615 Silver Lane, in East Hartford. The stadium, which was constructed between late 2000 and 2003, has 40,000 seats available.

Anyone from the public wishing to attend the services has been asked to arrive no later than 9:30 a.m.

The services are expected to draw a massive public response, as DeMonte, a 10-year veteran of the police department, and Hamzy, an 8-year veteran, have been hailed as heroes across the nation. DeMonte, who was 35 years old, and Hamzy, a year younger than the sergeant, were gunned down on Wednesday outside a home at 310 Redstone Hill Road, around 10:29 p.m.

The two slain officers, as well as Alec Iurato, were at the home at the hands of Nicholas Brutcher, a 35-year-old who called in a domestic violence incident between he and his brother to lure police to the residence, according to authorities. Iurato, who was shot in the leg, was able to shoot and kill Brutcher despite his gunshot wound.

All three men have been recognized as heroes for their service and sacrifice.

The photos of both DeMonte and Hamzy were proudly displayed on Friday at Yankee Stadium, for their game two showoff against the Cleveland Guardians in the American League Division Series. The organization also held a moment of silence for the slain policemen.

The Miami Dolphins on Sunday also honored the two fallen officers for the team’s game on Sunday in Florida and had a jersey made for DeMonte – who was a lifelong fan of the franchise. The 35-year-old planned on attending Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings.

ESPN, which is headquartered in Bristol, honored the police officers multiple times on-air last week and created a tribute on its front lawn, facing Middle Street.

Locally, Mayor Jeff Caggiano on Monday asked Bristol residents to shine their blue lights and light a candle for the city officers who are returning to their duties this week. They had received mutual aid from a slew of area towns to allow them time to grieve and mourn their brother officers.

In addition to the public funeral services on Friday, Hamzy’s wake will take place from noon to 8 p.m. on Wednesday at the Scott Funeral Home in Terryville. Parking will be available at the Terryville Fair Grounds with a shuttle service.

DeMonte’s wake will be private and held on Thursday.