Fallen Meriden Police To Be Inducted To National Memorial

MERIDEN, CT - Two members of the Meriden Police Department will be formally inducted to the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, D.C. Detective Sergeant John M. Bonin (6/12/22) and Lieutenant Otto Ernest Dobratz (7/26/53) will be formally dedicated on May 13, 2019 at the 31st Annual Candlelight Vigil during National Police Week.

"We praise the efforts of Officer Michael Ford, Sergeant. John Raszcewski & Meriden's Historical Society, especially Deborah Patterson, for bringing the respectful recognition to the sacrifices made by the Bonin and Dobratz Families in the loss of their loved ones," police said in a social media statement.

According to police, Bonin suffered a fatal heart attack while chasing three people in the Bradley Woods, off of Hanover Street. Bonin had served with the Meriden Police Department for 21 years. He was survived by his wife and daughter.

Dobratz suffered a fatal heart attack while investigating a fatal shooting at Hallmere Reservoir (Hubbard Park). Dobratz was a U.S. Army veteran of WWI and recipient of the prestigious Purple Heart. He had served with the Meriden Police Department for over 25 years. He was survived by his wife , four brothers, and sister.