Lamont: Flags At Half-Staff For Fallen Hartford Police Officer

HARTFORD, CT — The sudden, tragic loss of a Hartford Police Department officer in a violent accident Wednesday night has reverberated statewide.

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont Thursday ordered all flags to be lowered at half-staff in honor of fallen HPD officer Bobby Garten, who was killed in the line of duty in a vehicle accident.

Garten was a passenger in a HPD cruiser that was rushing to a call when, in a separate incident, a fleeing motorist from a separate police stop, slammed into the cruiser.

That motorist, an 18-year-old Hartford man, is now in police custody.

Lamont said flags will be lowered "immediatelly" on Thursday morning.

"His passing is heartbreaking and I express my deepest condolences to his family, friends and HPD colleagues," wrote Lamont via "X," which was once known as "Twitter."

"This tragedy is an unfortunate reminder of the dangers law enforcement face every day as they protect our neighborhoods. Officer Garten dedicated his life and career to public safety, and we salute his courage, integrity, and commitment to the people of our capital city," Lamont said.

Connecticut Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz paid tribute as well.

“Our police officers work tirelessly to protect and serve, often risking their own safety. Last night’s tragedy is a reminder to us all of the sacrifice our officers are willing to make to keep us safe," she said.

"My heart breaks for Hartford Police Department and for the loved ones of Officer Garten. His bravery and sense of duty will never be forgotten. I’m keeping Officer Garten and his loved one in my prayers.”

In nearby West Hartford, local officers expressed their sympathies to their law enforcement colleagues in Hartford.

"The West Hartford Police Department sends our sincerest condolences to the Hartford Police Department and the family of the Hartford Officer who was killed in the line of duty last night. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this tragic time," wrote the WHPD via "X."

"We also wish a full and speedy recovery to the second officer who was injured in the incident."

The head of Connecticut State Police, which has assumed the accident investigation, also weighed in.

“The Connecticut State Police shares the deep sadness and grief over the death of a Hartford police officer last night while responding to a call for service. Losing a member of your law enforcement family is a heartbreaking tragedy. We offer sincerest condolences to our brothers and sisters at the Hartford Police Department and their families as they cope with the inconceivable grief of losing an officer in the line of duty. We also wish the injured officer a speedy recovery. Our Troopers are available to assist Hartford Police Department with whatever they may need during this difficult time," said Colonel Stavros Mellekas.

Also paying tribue was the State of Connecticut's Division of Criminal Justice, which issued a statement Thursday afternoon.

"This tragedy is a stark reminder of the danger law enforcement officers face every day as they work to keep our communities safe and protect the citizens of Connecticut. Please join us in support of all courageous police officers and at this time particularly those at the Hartford Police Department, as loved ones, the Hartford community and the rest of the state mourn the unspeakable loss of Officer Garten, and pray for a swift recovery for Officer Kearney," wrote the criminal justice division.

Bridgeport Police Department Chief Roderick Porter issued a statement on behalf of the BPD Thursday morning as well.

"We all extend our deepest condolences for this tragic incident. We stand with the Hartford Police Department and all of its members, as we grieve this horrible loss," said Porter in a statement. "We will continue to show our support during this difficult time for the officer's family and our brothers and sisters in blue."

From Sept. 7: 'Second-Generation Hartford Cop Killed In Crash: UPDATE'