Vigil set to honor Hartford Police Det. Bobby Garten one year since line of duty death

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — A public candlelight vigil will be held Friday to mark one year since Hartford Police Det. Robert “Bobby” Garten was killed in the line of duty.

The 34-year-old was responding to a call on Sept. 6, 2023 , with Officer Brian Kearney when a driver fleeing a traffic stop ran a red light and hit their cruiser, according to police. Kearney suffered serious injuries in the crash.

Friday’s vigil is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. at the Public Safety Complex, located at 253 High St. in Hartford.

Garten’s mother, Debbie Garten, Hartford Interim Police Chief Kenny Howell, Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam and Bishop Gordon Paul Scruton are expected to speak at the vigil.

The following day, Garten will be honored during the 12th Annual Ride to Remember, a law enforcement ride to honor fallen officers. Garten’s parents will be riding in honor of their son.

The ride kicks off at 8 a.m. at the Springfield Police Department and will make several stops along its loop, the second being along the Connecticut River at Riverside Park in Hartford.

Riders will arrive in Hartford around noon, where they will present a check to Garten’s brother, William, for the Detective Robert “Bobby” Garten Memorial Fund before returning to Springfield.

The suspect accused of fleeing the traffic stop and causing the crash faces multiple charges, including manslaughter, first-degree assault, and operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

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