Thousands Honor Slain Bristol Police Officer

By Justin Muszynski, The Bristol Press

BRISTOL, CT — One of two Bristol police officers whose life was tragically cut short last week was honored by thousands of community members on Wednesday, paying tribute to an officer who, for eight years, served the city in which he was raised before making the ultimate sacrifice.

The calling hours for Officer Alex Hamzy drew a massive number of people to Terryville to honor the late officer – so much so that a shuttle service was used from the Terryville Fair Grounds to accommodate all who wished to attend the wake. The wake was held at the Lyceum on Main Street, from noon to 8 p.m.

Throughout the day, in addition to Bristol officers, police from New Britain, Berlin, Newington, Plainville, Southington, Newtown, East Hartford, Plymouth, Wolcott, Stratford, Hartford, Canton, Manchester and countless other departments throughout the area could be seen paying their respects. Connecticut State Police, as well as officers from multiple departments in Massachusetts also attended.

“It’s just devastating,” said Jamie Ferland, who lives nearby where the wake was held.

Ferland came to pay respects to Hamzy, though she did it from outside the venue, as she was still dressed in her landscaping clothing from work.

“I just wanted to come and do my own moment of silence,” she said.

For Ferland, Hamzy’s death hit awfully close to home. She works with two retired Bristol police officers who knew the 34-year-old.

“It’s been awful for them,” she said. “We try not to talk about it.”

“It’s something that you just wish to never see in your lifetime,” Ferland continued.

Hamzy and Sgt. Dustin DeMonte were tragically killed last Wednesday, around 10:29 p.m., after they were lured to a home at 310 Redstone Hill Road at the hands of Nicholas Brutcher, who authorities say phoned in a phony domestic violence call. DeMonte, who was 35 years old, was taken to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Hamzy was killed at the scene.

Brutcher, who was 35 years old, was killed outside the home by Officer Alec Iurato, 26. The 26-year-old was shot in the leg but was able to get to a vantage point where he could fire one shot upon the cop killer, killing him and potentially saving the lives of additional first responders.

During Hamzy’s wake on Wednesday, Bristol police announced that both late officers would be honored and promoted posthumously.

“Sergeant Dustin DeMonte has been posthumously promoted to the rank of lieutenant,” Lt. Robert Osborne said.

“Officer Alex Hamzy has been posthumously promoted to the rank of sergeant,” Osborne continued.

Hamzy, a graduate of Bristol Eastern High School’s class of 2006, was hired by the Bristol Police Department in 2014. During his eight-year tenure, he received numerous letters of commendation and recognition. He also served on the Central Regional Emergency Response Team – the area SWAT team for Bristol, Plainville, Southington and Plymouth – and as an advisor to the Bristol Police Explorer Cadet Program.

Hamzy leaves behind his wife, Katie, his parents, two sisters and numerous other family members.

DeMonte’s wake will be held privately on Thursday in North Haven, where he resided.

The funeral for both policemen will take place Friday at Pratt and Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field at 11 a.m. Anyone from the community wishing to attend has been asked to arrive no later than 9:30 a.m.