Silver Shield Foundation Honors Fallen Bristol Officers In Greenwich

GREENWICH, CT — The skies cleared up and the sun came out just in time for the Silver Shield Foundation's third annual walk at Greenwich Point last Saturday.

The foundation, which was created in 1982 by former New York Yankees principal owner George M. Steimbrenner III and his friend, former Olympic bronze medalist James Fuchs, provides educational support to children and surviving spouses of police officers, firefighters and EMS members killed in the line of duty.

Proceeds from the walk — the foundation's biggest fundraiser of the year — will go towards providing tuition assistance, tutoring services, college preparatory services, spousal education and counseling to children and families of fallen first responders in the tri-state area. Child recipients are covered until age 25.

This year's walk celebrated the foundation's 40th anniversary, but it was also in memory of Bristol police Lt. Dustin Demonte and Sgt. Alex Hamzy, who were killed while responding to a domestic call in Bristol on Oct. 12.

A third officer on that call, officer Alec Iurato, was seriously injured. The walk also honored him and his heroism that day.

Demonte left behind two children and had a baby on the way. The Silver Shield Foundation will provide educational support to all three children.

Bristol Police Chief Brian Gould was in attendance at the walk on Saturday, and spoke to Patch about the impact the foundation can have on families.

"When I met with the families in the moment of their devastation, clearly they're grieving, and as they're grieving, their world is coming down, they're truly wondering what's going to happen with their financial situation," Gould said. "For the Demontes to know their kids are going to be taken care of in school, it's a burden they don't have to take on while they're grieving for their husband, father, son. It's really remarkable."

Gould said the support to the department and Bristol as a whole from the state and around the country in recent weeks has been heartwarming.

"The support is beyond words," Gould added. "We're truly fortunate to have such support, and it's really just beautiful for the families."

Representatives and leaders from the New York City Police Department; New York City Fire Department; Connecticut State Police; and Greenwich Police and Fire Departments were also in attendance for the walk, as were families of fallen first responders and beneficiaries of the foundation.

Chuck Scarborough, the lead anchor for WNBC, and a member of the foundation's board of trustees, served as the emcee for the opening remarks.

Greenwich First Selectman Fred Camillo spoke briefly and welcomed everyone to Greenwich Point. He acknowledged the heroism displayed by Demonte, Hamzy and Iurato several weeks ago.

"We certainly remember not only what they went through that day, but all the fallen heroes; when they respond to a call they don't know what awaits them. Nothing was more clear than what happened in Bristol a few weeks ago," Camillo said to a crowd of over 150 people. "We pray for them, we pray for their families and we thank God for all of you and the Silver Shield Foundation who takes care of those who are left behind."

Connecticut State Police Commander Kyle Rapp said the foundation reminds families that even though time passes, they're still supported and in everyone's thoughts.

NYPD First Deputy Commissioner Edward Caban praised the strength of families of first responders who have experienced tragedy.

"Over time, we begin to see this incredible strength, resilience and determination emerge. It's nothing short of inspirational," he said.

Over $70,000 has been raised so far from the walk, according to K.C. Fuchs, chief operating officer of the foundation. Fuchs is the daughter of James, who died in 2010.

Fuchs said the support from the walk was heartwarming.

"Everybody seems to really enjoy themselves because they know what our foundation is taking care of our line of duty families," she told Patch. "I think the fact that there were recent line of duty deaths in Connecticut — it hits the heart. I think everyone appreciates the support Silver Shield gives and they want to be a part of it."

The foundation has a goal of breaking $100,000 from the walk, and donations are being accepted through the end of the year.

Fuchs, who has been a part of the foundation for 18 years now, said she wants to increase scholarship amounts to children in need and continue the mission her father and Steinbrenner created four decades ago. To date, the foundation has helped 975 children and families.

"We're there when these sad tragedies happen, and we'll always be there to help these families," she said.

For more information on the Silver Shield Foundation, click here. A video recap of Saturday's walk in Greenwich can be viewed here.