‘End of Watch: Ride to Remember’ honors four fallen Connecticut police officers

BRISTOL, Conn. (WTNH) — The “End of Watch: Ride to Remember” is honoring and remembering fallen officers across the country, including four in Connecticut.

A trailer with photos of 380 fallen officers who died in the line of duty in 2022 and 2023 is being driven all across the country, stopping at police departments along the way.

The Bristol Police Department is one of those stops, honoring Lt. Dustin DeMonte and Sgt. Alex Hamzy , who were killed on Oct. 12, 2022.

“Keeping their memory alive is essential,” Bristol Police Chief Mark Morello said. “They paid the ultimate sacrifice, and this is a small token. We’re very appreciative of the organization.”

Allison McCarter with Beyond the Call of Duty said this is the organization’s fourth nationwide tour. Participants are riding for 74 days, covering more than 20,000 miles.

“We left Washington state on June 1, and we’ll return to Washington state on August 12,” McCarter said. “We are literally stopping at every gas station, hotel, parking lot, stop signs.”

From Bristol, the riders made their way to New Haven, where officers escorted them on motorcycles. New Haven Police Officer Diana Gonzalez died in 2022 from injuries she sustained while on the job in September 2008.

“We’re so appreciative that everyone still remembers Diane and the sacrifices she made,” retired New Haven Police Lt. Rebecca Goddard said.

“One of the most caring, smiling people I’ve ever met in my life,” retired Officer David Hartman said of Gonzalez.

The tribute touched those who knew and worked alongside the fallen officers.

“We’ve seen a lot of tragedy in law enforcement as of late, and we can’t ever forget these people who gave their lives for the community they serve,” New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson said.

A picture of Hartford Police Det. Robert “Bobby” Garten , who was killed in the line of duty in September 2023, was also the trailer.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.