Small Town Publishing Inc., on behalf of The Plymouth Connection and The Litchfield Connection newspapers, is happy to announce that they raised a grand total of $5,000 in their Honorary Hero Fundraiser in honor of Lt. Dustin DeMonte, Sgt. Alex Hamzy, and Officer Alec Iurato.

On Oct. 12, 2022, Lt. DeMonte and Sgt. Hamzy were shot and killed while responding to a fake domestic disturbance call in Bristol by a suspect lying in wait. Officer Iurato was badly wounded but miraculously survived after undergoing surgery at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford.

Lt. DeMonte, a 10-year veteran of the Bristol Police Department, was a beloved husband and father of two small children, with a third baby due in March. Lt. DeMonte had a bachelor’s degree in Criminology from Central Connecticut State University and was weeks away from starting a master’s degree course in Organizational Leadership at Nichols College.

He was posthumously promoted to lieutenant. Sgt. Hamzy, an 8-year veteran of the Bristol Police Department, was days away from celebrating his one-year wedding anniversary with his beloved wife Katie and their dog Gizmo. He was passionate about physical fitness and serving the people of his hometown. He was posthumously promoted to sergeant. Officer Iurato, who heroically returned fire and killed the armed suspect after he was wounded, was recently named the National Officer of the Month at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. He was also inducted into the National Law Enforcement Officer Hall of Fame, where he also received the Courage in Service Award. He has a bachelor’s degree in Law, Government and National Security and has served on the Bristol Police Department for four years. He is currently recovering from his injuries.

The funds from the fundraiser will be distributed directly to the families of each of the three officers in coordination with the Bristol Police Department.

The fundraiser included 20% of all sales from the November, December, and January editions of The Litchfield Connection Newspaper and The Plymouth Connection Newspaper, in addition to several individual donations.

Small Town Publishing would like to graciously thank everyone who participated in The Honorary Hero Fundraiser, and would like to highlight the following businesses and organizations that participated:

Advanced Physical Therapy,

AR Package Store, Braeval,

Carpet Excellence, Casanova

Remodeling, Terryville Congregational

Church, Cleveland’s

Country Store, Dawn’s Pizzazz,

DJ Hall Roofing, Dr. McHugh

and Associates PC, Eyes on

Litchfield, Litchfield Dental

Associates, Golden City of Terryville,

Good Guy Electric, Hartco

Trunks, L&L Contracting,

Jan Laviero Real Estate, Jersey

Mike’s of Bristol, JG Power

Clean, James Rybczyk Plumbing

and Heating and Air Conditioning,

Joe’s Ca$h for Cars, Junk

Bear, Litchfield Hills Adult Day

Center, Macary’s Plumbing and

Heating, MiVida Salon, Milton

Congregational Church, Northfield

Bible Church, Litchfield

Music Center, Plymouth Package

Store, Plymouth Housing

Authority, Plymouth Housing

Rehabilitation Program, Plymouth

Human Services, Main

Street Package Store, Powell’s

Vacuum Supply, Prime Time

House, Quality Senior Benefits,

One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning

of Bristol, Scott Funeral

Home, Showcase Realty, Sunrise

Deli, Vincent Gualtieri – Realtor

– Town & Country Real Estate,

snd Wojtusik’s Nursery & Garden

Center.

Small Town Publishing extends their gratitude to the brave men and women of the Bristol Police Department, who work diligently each day in the face of danger to keep the community safe.