LETTER: Middletown Police Appreciate Outpouring of Support Since Dallas Shootings

To the Middletown Community:

The events in Dallas have made all of us reflect on the loss of officers in the line of duty. Every 61 hours we lose a police officer in the line of duty and not since 9/11 have we lost this many officers in a single incident.

Police Chief David Brown said in his national news conference in the aftermath of the shooting, "We don't feel much support most days. Let's not make today one of those days." In my twelve years as Police Chief I have never felt that our community and its leaders have not supported the Middletown Police Department.

If I ever had a doubt, it has been erased by the outpouring of support Middletown has shown its police department since the Dallas shootings. We thank you for the many cards and letters of support. We have been inundated with gifts of food and other tokens of appreciation.

It is evident to the entire department that you as Chief Brown stated "applaud these brave men and women who do this job under great scrutiny and under great vulnerability who literally risk their lives to protect democracy."

Please know that despite the hardships and dangers of policing we will continue to protect and serve.

On behalf of your Middletown Police Department, I extend a heartfelt thank you.

Sincerly,

Anthony M. Pesare,

Chief of Police