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Funeral for 2 ambushed officers draws peers from around US

This combo of images provided by the Connecticut State Police, show, from left, Bristol, Conn. Police Department Sgt. Dustin Demonte, Officer Alex Hamzy and Officer Alec Iurato. Authorities said Thursday, Oct. 13, 2022, they believe that police offic

EAST HARTFORD, Conn. — The grieving widows of two slain Connecticut police officers gave tearful tributes to their husbands Friday during a funeral attended by thousands of law enforcement officers from around the country.

Others who spoke at the service for Bristol officers Dustin DeMonte and Alex Hamzy pleaded for an end to hatred and suspicion against the police.

“To Alex and Dustin, you were both true heroes, amazing people and you will be missed beyond words by everyone,” said DeMonte’s wife, Laura, who is pregnant with their third child. “I am so sorry this happened to you. Two of the very best humans. So kind, positive and fun-loving.”

DeMonte, Hamzy and Officer Alec Iurato were shot Oct. 12 in what police believe was an ambush set up by a 911 call made by the shooter, Nicholas Brutcher. Iurato, who survived a gunshot wound to his leg, struggled to get behind a police cruiser and fired a single shot that killed Brutcher. Brutcher’s brother, Nathan, also was shot — possibly by his brother — and survived.

DeMonte was a sergeant with 10 years’ experience on the force, and Hamzy was an officer for eight years. The funeral included formal, posthumous promotions of DeMonte to lieutenant and Hamzy to sergeant.

Without the crutches he has been using because of his wound, Iurato carried a flag into the stadium during the ceremony. He did not speak at the service, but several people who did called him a hero. He received a standing ovation later during the funeral when Bristol’s police chief spoke of his bravery.

Hamzy’s wife, Katie, said there weren’t enough words for her to describe her love for husband and read a quote she said she came across when he first became a police officer.

“When I see his badge, it is not just a number,” Katie Hamzy said, reading from the quote and crying. “It signifies honor and it has my ultimate respect. His badge that I proudly stand behind lies upon his chest, close to his heart, because this call on his life as an officer takes heart.”

She added: “So while you may know my officer as a number, know he is far more than that. He is my hero, my protection, the love of my life and, of course, my heart. I love you Alex.”

Thousands of police officers, some from as far away as California, Colorado, Texas and Canada, were in the stands for the nearly three-hour ceremony at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field, the University of Connecticut’s 40,000-seat stadium in East Hartford.

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