Fallen Hartford Officer To Be Remembered At Friday Vigil

HARTFORD, CT — One year ago, the Hartford Police Department lost one of their own in a tragic line-of-duty vehicle accident in the city.

Friday, the HPD is hosting a candlelight vigil to remember Det. Robert "Bobby" Garten.

Garten, 34, was killed a year ago when his cruiser was hit by a fleeing vehicle during a separate incident in Hartford. The operator was charged with being under the influence of pot.

On Friday, Sept. 6, the first anniversary of Garten's passing, the HPD will gather at the Hartford Police Department Public Safety Complex, at 253 High St., Hartford.

There, the candlelight vigil will take place from 7 to 8 p.m.

"One year ago, the Hartford Police Department and City of Hartford suffered an unimaginable loss," wrote the HPD.

The public is invited to attend and remember Garten, who was promoted to detective posthumously.

Richard O. Barrington, now 19, of Hartford, was charged with first-degree manslaughter; first-degree assault; first-degree reckless endangerment; disobeying the direction of an officer, resulting in death; driving under the influence; reckless driving; and failure to yield to an emergency vehicle.

He is awaiting trial and his next court appearance is Oct. 16, according to online court records.

From Sept. 7, 2023: 'Fallen Hartford Officer Wanted To Be Like His Dad: UPDATE'

From Sept. 21, 2023: 'More Charges For Teen Involved In Fatal Crash That Killed Hartford Cop'