Connecticut officials open the annual Police Unity Ride

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) – Police officers from around the world, including Connecticut, are cycling to Washington, DC over the next few days to take part in the annual Police Unity Tour to honor those lost in the line of duty.

“While the Unity Tour is meaningful to each and every one of us every year, this time – in over 26 years – a police officer has been lost in the line of duty,” said Lt. Paul Cicero of the Hartford Police Department.

At Wednesday’s retirement ceremony, Hartford Police Det. Robert “Bobby” Garten, who was killed in the line of duty in September 2023, was remembered by his family and law enforcement officers.

“He will always be a shining example of what it means to serve with a smile and a big heart,” said his mother, Debra Garten.

Touching tributes were also paid to Holly Donahue, a K9 officer from Hartford who brought the Police Unity Tour to the city decades ago.

“A few years ago, Holly was diagnosed with cancer and fought to the bitter end,” Cicero said.

“She left her mark here…she was proud of it…this is a memory that my family and I will hold in our hearts forever,” said Simonne Donahue Corriveau, Holly’s sister.

Bristol Police Sgt. Alex Hamzy and Lt. Dustin DeMonte was killed in an ambush in October 2022. DeMonte’s wife, Laura, is conducting a raid this year.

“I told myself I was going to do this,” she said. “I was training, but I was very excited and very proud to be able to drive for my husband and Alex too.”

Family members of fallen officers said the event meant the world.

“It’s really special,” said John Fenton, son of Hartford Police Officer Francis X. Fenton. “The Hartford PD truly never forgets. They don’t forget.”

Before leaving Hartford, drivers from various departments stopped at a memorial to Garten. They placed a blue rose and thought about it for a moment.

The ride ends at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, where family, friends, colleagues and survivors will greet them.