Dallas Police Shootings: Connecticut Cops Express Solidarity, Heartbreak

Police officers in Connecticut started their shifts Friday with heartbreak following the Dallas shooting that left five officers dead and seven wounded.

“It is a raw morning,” Hartford Deputy Chief Brian Foley tweeted. “We all need to catch our breath and heal. Please be calm please be peaceful. We will continue to protect and serve our great city.”

Related: Dallas Shootings: Snipers Kill 5 Officers, Wound 7, During Protest Over Police Killings Of Black Men

The officers in Dallas were at a protest rally against the killing of two black men by police earlier in the week. At least two snipers opened fired on police. At least three suspects are in custody. Two civilians were injured, but police officers were the main targets.

One gunman barricaded himself for hours in a parking garage and was killed after police used explosives to dislodge him.

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The New Haven Police Department is modifying its patrols in the wake of the shooting. Officers who often patrol one-to-a-car will be paired up, said Officer David Hartman, police spokesman. Other methods known to make patrol patterns less predictable will also be implemented. Changes have been discussed at each patrol and detective roll-call.

"There are those of us who will pray, who will search for answers and do what we think is proper to deal with our heavy hearts," Hartman said. "We are filled with grief for such promising lives cut short, for families ruined."

Views on the police officer profession are a roller coaster of feelings and emotions based on a series of different events, said Naugatuck Police Lt. Bryan Cammarata via the Naugatuck Police Facebook page. Department members were touched that someone left a dozen flowers at the base of department's flagpole.

Norwalk Police Chief Thomas Kulhawik tweeted that divisiveness and sensationalizing have to stop and people have to work to bring people together.

The Middletown Police Department on Facebook wrote that they would like to say a "big THANK YOU to Christine and her teenage son Cameron who brought some breakfast goodies to the station today. We know the majority of people in Middletown are behind us in our jobs to keep this wonderful community safe. This was an extra special surprise and greatly appreciated."

The Guilford Police Department said on Facebook, "We are praying for the men and women of the Dallas Police Department who were targeted and assassinated last night."

Vernon police posted a replica of the Dallas PD badge on their Facebook page with the proclamation, “We stand with Dallas Police.” It had about 30 shares and 80 likes by 8 a.m.

The Montville Police said "All of the members of the Montville Police Department are heartbroken. We are saying prayers of peace, healing and love for all involved in all of the recent events, as well as our country and the world.

South Windsor Police Department posted on Facebook: “Today our thoughts and prayers are with the men and women of the Dallas Police and Dallas Area Rapid Transit Police Departments and their families.”

The Ridgefield Police Department said, "Our thoughts and prayers are with the Dallas Police Department, the Dallas Area Rapid Transit Police and their family and friends."

The Bethel Police Department said, "Our thoughts and prayers are with our family in Dallas and those across the country that serve and protect our communities," and the Redding Police Department added, "Our thoughts and prayers are with our brothers and sisters in Texas."

P.J. Reilly, a captain in the Stamford Fire Department, said in a Facebook post, “I think it’s time to find another Noah and build an ark. Wipe the slate clean of this senseless violence.”

Connecticut politicians also voiced support for police following the Dallas shooting.

“The attack last night on the Dallas Police Officers who were preserving the right to peaceable protest was cowardly, sick and disgusting,” Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton tweeted. “Murder is never the answer. Today I stand with Danbury PD and Dallas Police. Thank an officer today.”

Congressional members also sounded off on the incident.

“Devastated by the murder and wounding of police officers in Dallas,” said U.S. Rep. Jim Himes. “Too much killing and violence. We are a better country than this.”

Reporting by Tim Jensen, Chris Dehnel, Vincent Salzo, Wendy Ann Mitchell, Rich Scinto, Brian McCready, Al Branch, and RJ Scofield.

Image via Naugatuck Police