Connecticut police Sgt. Dustin Delmonte, one of two officers killed on a domestic violence call, was a father-of-two with another child on the way, officials said Thursday.
DeMonte, 35, was shot dead alongside Officer Alex Hamzy, 34, while responding to a possible domestic altercation between siblings shortly before 11 p.m. Wednesday in Bristol, police said.
At a press conference Thursday morning, Bristol Police Chief Brian Gould said that the sergeant, who had been with the force for more than 10 years, had been expecting a third child with his wife.
“[DeMonte] is survived by his wife, Laura, and his children, Phoebe and Porter, and one on the way,” Gould said.
In photos from his personal Facebook page, DeMonte can be seen enjoying beach trips, amusement parks, and pumpkin patches with his wife and young children.
A recent profile picture shared on Sept. 27 shows the late officer smiling with his wife while wearing a Miami Dolphins jersey.
In addition to his wife and children, DeMonte is survived by his parents, Philip and Mona, two siblings, and his parents-in-law.
A 2019 Officer of the Year, he was a school resource officer and an advisor for the explorer cadet program.
“Words cannot express the sadness and grief that brings me before you this morning,” Chief Gould said of DeMonte and Hamzy’s deaths.
Sgt. Dustin DeMonte with his wife, Laura, and children, Phoebe and Porter.
State police remain at the scene of a shooting in Bristol. AP“We need your support, we need your thoughts, and we need your prayers.”
Police said a third officer, Alex Iurato, 26, suffered a serious gunshot wound while responding to the residence. He remains in recovery following surgery.
The suspect, whose identity has not been released, was also shot and pronounced dead on the scene, police said. His brother was also shot, and remains in unknown condition at an area hospital.
DeMonte had two children with another on the way.
The young family is pictured on Facebook enjoying time together.
Connecticut State Police Sgt. Dustin DeMonte with wife Laura DeMonte and family,
Both DeMonte and Hamzy’s bodies were driven to the medical examiner’s office in Farmington in a police procession featuring officers from around the state.
At the end of the press conference Thursday, Connecticut State Police Sgt. Christine Jeltema asked the public to “have patience” during the “very complex” investigation.
The fatal encounter occurred shortly before 11 p.m. Wednesday night. Doug Healey for the NYPost
DeMonte had been with the force for more than 10 years.
“I assure you we’ll have more information when we’re ready,” she said.
In accordance with an announcement by Gov. Ned Lamont, all state flags will be lowered to half-staff in honor of the fallen officers, effective immediately.
