BRISTOL, Conn. (WTNH) — The community is mourning the loss of two members of the Bristol Police Department who were shot and killed in the line of duty.
Sgt. Dustin DeMonte, 35, and Officer Alex Hamzy, 34, were killed Wednesday while responding to a 911 call about possible domestic violence between two brothers. Officer Alec Iurato, 26, was also wounded.
As families grieve and the community tries to look forward, fundraisers are popping up in the city.
Official Fundraisers
Bristol Police Heroes Fund – Bristol Police Commissioners partnered with the Bristol Police Union to create this fund, which aids and assists families when tragedies like this happen during active duty. All funds will be directed to the Bristol Police Union. Click here to donate.
Fund the First was organized by the Bristol PBA and will directly benefit the families of Hamzy and DeMonte. Click here to donate.
Officer Alex Hamzy Memorial Fund – Grants from this fund will be awarded to organizations at the recommendation of Hamzy’s family. Donate here.
Bristol Firefighters IAFF Local 773 and the Connecticut State Police started a shirt fundraiser. All net proceeds will go to the families of Hamzy and DeMonte. The deadline to pre-order t-shirts and long sleeve shirts is Oct. 26.
Businesses and Organizations Stepping Up
Antonio Details is offering free auto detailing services (free wash, vacuum, and choice of exterior or interior detailing) to all members of the Bristol Police Department. Iurato will receive all services at no cost, including ceramic glass coating. The owner said there is no current expiration date on this offer.
Barstool Sports is selling t-shirts and sweatshirts to honor DeMonte and Hamzy. One hundred percent of net proceeds will toward supporting their families. Purchase a ‘Bristol Police Tee’ here or a ‘Bristol Police Crewneck’ here.
Bell City Barber Shop is offering free haircuts to all members of the Bristol police and fire departments through Dec. 31. This offer is not available to the general public.
Crafty Bombshell Designs will donate all proceeds from blue ribbon sticker decal sales to the Bristol Police Heroes Fund.
David’s Junk Removal is donating 10% of profits made in October to the Bristol Police Heroes Fund.
DK Movement Clothing Brand is donating 50% of all online sales through Dec. 31 to the Bristol Police Heroes Fund.
Dunphy’s Ice Cream will hold a fundraiser in honor of Iurato on Oct. 23 from noon to 6 p.m. All monies raised will be donated to the Bristol Police Department’s K9 Fund. There will also be a donation jar for the Bristol Police Heroes Fund to help the families of DeMonte and Hamzy. If you’d like to donate a raffle prize, you can bring it to the store or UnDone Salon during normal business hours.
Frisky Feline Behavior Counseling will donate a portion of proceeds from every consultation until Nov. 15 to the Bristol Police Heroes Fund.
Lisa’s Luna Pizza is donating $1 to the Bristol Police Heroes Fund for every pizza sold through the end of October.
New England Barber Company is showing its appreciation to police officers by giving free haircuts to Bristol police officers. They are also collecting donations to help the families of DeMonte and Hamzy. “We knew the officers involved, Hamzy and DeMonte,” said Kelvin Morin, owner of New England Barber Company. “Iurato is a hero. We are so thankful for him and just thankful for all the officers in Bristol, everywhere that protect us every day.”
Rally Caps Sports Bar and Grill is offering a free bowl of chili to all police, fire, and EMS workers on Monday, Oct. 17, and donating 10% of the day’s total proceeds to the families of DeMonte and Hamzy.
Steve’s Top Dog – All tips collected through Friday, Oct. 21, will be donated to the families of DeMonte and Hamzy.
The Tunnels to Towers Foundation, an organization dedicated to paying off the mortgages of fallen first responders, is taking on DeMonte’s mortgage. DeMonte and his wife, Lara, have two children and a third on the way.
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