Memorial
We honor those members of the Bristol Police Department who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Each has honored their commitment to serve and protect.
LIEUTENANT DUSTIN DeMONTE
EOW: OCTOBER 12, 2022
Bristol Police Lieutenant Dustin DeMonte, 35, of North Haven, tragically passed away on Wednesday evening, October 12th 2022. Dustin truly died a hero. He was the beloved husband of Laura DeMonte; and a loving father to his daughter, Phoebe; his son, Porter; and a third child due in March, 2023. Dustin was born in Middletown, CT, on May 24, 1987, to Mona Heidel (Jeff Heidel) and Philip DeMonte (Connie DeMonte). Also survived by his brother, Philip (Sarah) DeMonte; sister, Makayla DeMonte (Kenneth Repscher). He also leaves behind his niece, Adalyn Repscher; and nephew, Aaron DeMonte. Also survived by aunts, Debbie DeMonte and Dottie Sanzaro; and his "little gram," Mary DeMonte. Dustin is also survived by his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Ann Marie and James Piscitelli; sister-in-law, Gina (Christopher) Bracken; and brother-in-law James, (Sarah) Piscitelli; grandmother and grandfather through marriage, Anne and John Bergeron. Dustin also leaves behind his three Australian Labradoodles whom he adored, Harper, Einstein and Fozzie.
A 2005 graduate of Middletown High School; where he was a catcher for their baseball team as well as a member of the band. Dustin loved dancing, music and exercising. He earned a bachelor's degree in Criminology at Central Connecticut State University in 2012. Dustin was recently accepted to Nichols College, where he would've begun his master's in Organizational Leadership Program on Halloween. Dustin was an avid fan of the New York Yankees and the Miami Dolphins. Dedicated to his community, Dustin helped in honoring local officers who were killed in the line of duty and helped the homeless through the outreach program of Brian's Angels. Dustin was a school resource officer at Greene-Hills and West Bristol Schools in Bristol. Dustin always lived life to the fullest. He was a kind, gentle spirit that was loved by many. Above all, Dustin whole-heartedly loved his family and every single moment he spent with them. He was a very proud husband and father who was taken way too soon.
SERGEANT ALEX HAMZY
EOW: OCTOBER 12, 2022
Alex Hamzy, loving son, brother, husband, and friend was taken from us on Oct. 12, 2022. Alex was born Dec. 16, 1987, in Bristol where he attended Bristol Eastern High School, and before his untimely death, he served his beloved community for eight years (2014-2022) as a member of the Bristol Police Department.
Alex was incredibly proud of his profession and served his hometown with conviction and integrity. Alex leaves behind, his wife Katie Scott Hamzy; his parents Ahmad and Salma Hamzy; his sisters Donna Hamzy Carroccia and her husband Kevin and Rania Hamzy Audi and her husband Jamil and his two nephews; his father-in-law Jeffrey Scott and his wife Kim; his brother-in-law Kenny Scott and his wife Madu; and his sisters-in-law, Natalie Scott and her boyfriend Dan Toohey, and Christine Norton and her husband Patrick.
Alex was one in a million; his smile would light up a room. He was always in a good mood and would lighten even the darkest of days with his infectious laughter. Alex was dedicated to his family and friends, he loved spending time with them especially his loving parents, who he never allowed to need or want for anything; his beautiful wife Katie and their adorable dog Gizmo, who he adored both so much; his sisters, his first friends; their husbands, with whom he shared a special bond; and his nephews, who were the light of his life.
When he wasn't spending time with family he would be spending it with his lifelong friends. Growing up as the only son, his friends were his brothers. He would often say how lucky he felt to have so many brothers in childhood through to adulthood, where he went on to meet so many more of his brothers in law enforcement. Alex's love was selfless and he would never turn down an opportunity to be there for the people he loved.
Alex had a need for speed and to say he was a BMW M-Series enthusiast would be an understatement. Alex was passionate about his physical fitness, which helped offset his addiction to sweets and dessert. Alex was a lifelong Yankees and Patriots fan, a contradiction that only those of us from Connecticut can understand. As an Officer with the Bristol Police Department, Alex served as a longtime advisor for the Bristol Police Explorer Cadet Program. A unique learning experience in policing through instruction, demonstration, and hands on training. Alex was passionate about teaching young adults the values needed to succeed in serving their community with integrity and commitment.
In April of 2021 Alex was selected to join the Central Regional Emergency Response Team (CR-ERT) or SWAT, a team covering the towns of Bristol, Plainville, Southington and Plymouth. Joining the "Team" was one of the many highlights of his career. The Bristol Connecticut Police Department CR-ERT came in first place at the Connecticut SWAT Challenge this year which was held at the Hartford Gun Club. The event was a 3-day competition against 28 teams which consisted of both law enforcement and military personnel. These 28 teams were from all over the United States and traveled to East Granby Connecticut to compete. Alex will forever be in our hearts, and we will remember him fondly through our shared photos, memories
On October 12, 2022, Officers Demonte and Hamzy responded to 310 Redstone Hill Rd. for an alleged domestic dispute. Upon arrival, they were ambushed in a hail of gunfire from a shooter in a pre-planned attack. Both succumbed to their injuries. A third officer on scene, Alec Iurato, also injured by gunfire, was able to return one gunshot, killing the shooter and ending the threat.
OFFICER JAMES MCNAMEE
EOW: JANUARY 16, 1930
Officer James McNamee died in the line of duty on January 16, 1930. He was the first Bristol Police Officer killed while performing his duty. He was shot at the Ebb Filling Station located at the corner of Stafford Ave and Washington St while attempting to apprehend three car thieves. The building later became Ivy's Liquor Store which stood for many years until demolished in 2001 to allow for straightening of the intersection. For additional information on the arrest and conviction of the suspect, click the Bristol Press newspaper accounts listed below.
January 17, 1930
March 21, 1930
OFFICER JAMES BURNS
EOW: MAY 29, 1941
Officer James Burns died in the line of duty on May 29, 1941. While investigating a domestic dispute on lower Union Street, he was gunned down by the male suspect, his brother-in-law. The suspect also wounded a second officer. A gun battle ensued with other officers at the scene and the suspect was eventually taken into custody. Officer Burns had been a police officer for 21 years. For additional information on the shooting of Officer Burns, click the Bristol Press articles listed below.
May 31, 1941
May 31, 1941 (p.2)
OFFICER ERNEST SCHILKE
EOW: MAY 17, 1944
Officer Ernest Schilke died in the line of duty on May 17, 1944. While attempting a rescue at the Wallace Barnes Rolling Mill on Broad St., he was overcome by noxious gas fumes and died at the scene along with another factory worker. Firemen had attempted to rescue Schilke but he fell 30 feet into a pit and could not be saved. He was 23 years old and single at the time of his death. For additional information on the death of Officer Schilke, click the Bristol Press articles listed below.