Police in Connecticut Moved by Gestures of Support Following the Dallas Shootings

Editor’s Note: This story was written prior to Sunday’s tragedy in Baton Rouge where three police officers were shot and killed and three others wounded in an apparent ambush.

• For the latest breaking news on that story click here.

In Connecticut reaction to the latest shooting death involving police officers was one of continued sadness.

The Norwalk Police Department wrote on Facebook, “Another horrific incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the officers that were killed and injured and with the members of the Baton Rouge Police Department.”

“This news of more officers targeted (and) killed is horrible. Please know the men and women of (the Fairfield Police Department) remain committed to ‪(Making Fairfield Safer),” wrote Fairfield Police Chief Gary MacNamara on Twitter.

On Facebook, the Guilford Police Department posted this message. “Praying for the officers and their families in Baton Rouge — feeling heartbroken at Guilford Police Department.

U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-CT, wrote on Twitter, “My heart goes out to loved ones of the brave, effective law enforcers who have been lost or injured in Baton Rouge. This violence must stop.”

U.S. Chris Murphy, D-CT, wrote, “Another act of heartbreaking violence in Baton Rouge. We cannot continue to let hate drive our actions.

The original story focuses on the response of Connecticut residents to law enforcement here at home after the Dallas police shootings.

Written by Chris Dehnel, Patch Editor

Capt. John Kelley of the Vernon Police Department is calling it “humbling.”

State police are saying it is all “greatly appreciated.”

Trumbull police are saying it has made them “honored to protect and serve.”

The “it” in this case, and is a collective effort on the part of Connecticut residents to reach out and support those in local and state law enforcement in the wake of the Dallas police shootings.

Police officers in Connecticut started their shifts on July 8 with heavy hearts following a shooting incident in Dallas 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.”

The response left police breathless. Gestures of support seemed to arise with the sun that day and have continued since.

Flowers were left at the Trumbull police department’s flagpole with the colors at half-staff.

They were also left in a similar spot at the Naugatuck Police Department.

Cookies, pizza and other offerings of goodwill are being dropped off to state police from Danielson to Westport.

“We have been visited by people who simply wanted to say thank you,” state police from the Troop D barracks in Danielson said in a Facebook post. “The troopers are most grateful for this show of support to the law enforcement community in these difficult and troubled times for all Americans."

Added state police spokeswoman Trooper First Class Kelly Grant, Connecticut state troopers thank the residents of Connecticut for their more than generous showing of support in light of the events in Dallas. State police barracks across the state have received numerous visitors who have stopped in to say "thank you," and others who have dropped off cards, flowers and food. Connecticut state troopers enjoy serving the State of Connecticut and its communities and are comforted by, and grateful for, the show of support for law enforcement. Thank you for thinking of us and your continued support."

One example was Waterbury-based Nardelli's Grinder Shoppe surprising those at the state police headquarters with sandwiches and salad for lunch.

At the Enfield Police Department, a note, written by what appears to be a pre-school child, simply states, "Dear police, thank you for keeping me and my brother safe." Another card, signed by "The Community of Enfield," reads, "Your lives matter! Thank you for your service and all that you do!"

Police Chief Carl Sferrazza said, "This is a whole new level of danger. These unsolicited small gestures of support have a lot of power to us. To have the people you're sworn to protect do this means a great deal."

The gestures have produced some light moments. In Berlin, a cake was dropped off to police. A member of the department turned away momentarily to get the camera ready for a picture, but then turned around to see a piece had already been cut and eaten.

“It was so good we couldn't even get a photo before a piece was eaten,” Berlin police joked in a Facebook post.

In Bethel, police managed to get a picture of the entire box of homemade cookies sent in by a young girl named Hanna before anyone sampled one.

In South Windsor, someone bought coffee for all three police shifts the day after Dallas. The SWPD was also treated to pizza one day.

In Vernon, Hockanum Valley Community Council chief executive David Engelson recently brought in a crew of volunteers to the police department to drop off 70 care packages in a pay-it-forward type gesture. The number is symbolic of the 50-strong roster of sworn officers and the remaining staff members, he said.
"We put together food and other items. If an officer needs the items, the officer can keep the items. The packages can also be placed in cruisers to hand out to the community," he said. "This is a gesture designed to make the lives of the officers easier. Their jobs have never been tougher, because no one knows what is around the corner - even during a routine traffic stop."

Vernon’s Kelley said he was moved by that gesture and all the others.

"There has been a steady stream of items left at the police department and well wishes from many people. We are very appreciative and humbled by this."

Perhaps Farmington police summed it up in a statement released this week:

“Thanks to so many who continue to support our family here at FPD with kind thoughts, notes, prayers, and gifts. Your kindness has a positive impact on our officers as they continue to place their lives on the line to protect our community. God Bless America.”

Photos: Pizza at the South Windsor PD, Cake at the Berlin PD, Cookies at the Bethel PD and Care packages at the Vernon PD.