The Connecticut Police Chiefs Law Enforcement Foundation sponsored the 34th Annual Law Enforcement Memorial Service on Thursday, May 19, 2022 at the ConnecticutPolice Academy in Meriden.
The service was a collaboration of Connecticut Police Chiefs Association, The Connecticut State Police, and Police Officers Standards Council. The service began with the arrival of the Connecticut Law Enforcement Unity Bikers, who rode their bicycles from the City of Hartford Public Safety Headquarters to the Connecticut Police Academy with stops at the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection in Middletown, and the FBI office located in Meriden. They presented a special wreath and made a donation of $3,300 to honor the fallen heroes.
The day started off with a steady rain, but stopped just 15 minutes before the ceremony was ready to begin. Over 250 people attended the service, with several of the survivor families in attendance.
Unfortunately, we had to add three names to the memorial this year.
Sgt. Brian E. Mohl Connecticut State Police
Officer Diane Gonzalez, New Haven Police Department
Constable William Kinney, Town of Preston
We honored the 148 officers, troopers and federal agents who had lost their lives in the line of duty here in Connecticut. The most significant change to the service this year was to reading of the Roll of Honor. All agencies with at least 4 line of duty deaths had their names read by the executives of that particular agency. The feedback on this change was very positive.
The Keynote Speaker was Special Agent in Charge David Sundberg of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Agent Sundberg gave a very inspiring speech which was very well received by everyone in attendance. We hosted on site lunch reception at the police academy for the survivors, and those who participated in the service.
We are very committed to “Never Forget” our brave men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice, and are very hopeful that next year we will not have to add any additional names to the memorial.