Bobby Garten
September 7, 2023
Hartford police officer killed, another injured after cruiser struck
Contributed
A Hartford police cruiser.
A Hartford police officer died after his cruiser was struck by a vehicle that sped through a red light at an intersection Wednesday night, city officials said Thursday morning.
Officer Bobby Garten, who worked for Hartford Police Department for eight years, died of his injuries, according to an announcement from Mayor Luke Bronin and Police Chief Jason Thody.
His partner, Officer Brian Kearney, suffered serious injuries and was taken to a hospital, where he was listed in stable condition Thursday.
The crash occurred just before 10:30 p.m., near Asylum Avenue and Cogswell Street, according to reports. Police said a person was taken into custody, but did not provide further details.
The Connecticut State Police Central District Major Crime Squad is handling the investigation.
Garten was the sergeant-at-arms for the The Hartford Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 30, according to a listing of board members on the organization’s website.
The last Hartford police officer who died in the line of duty was Thomas B. Toohey in May 1996, according to the Connecticut Police Chiefs Law Enforcement Memorial.
Bronin said Garten and his family have “our everlasting respect and gratitude.”
“My heart and prayers and the love and prayers of our whole city are with Officer Garten’s parents, family, loved ones, friends and colleagues, and the entire HPD family,” Bronin said. “Bobby Garten loved this city, loved the Hartford Police Department, served our community with distinction, courage, skill and compassion, and this loss is immeasurable for all who loved, served with, and knew him.”
Thody said Hartford Police Department is devastated by the loss.
“(Officer Garten) was an amazing person that exemplified what it means to be a Hartford Police Officer. His commitment to serve was above reproach,” Thody said. “Our HPD family has come together to support Bobby's family, honor his memory, and do what he would want us to do, protect and serve the Hartford community."
Gov. Ned Lamont on Thursday directed U.S. and state flags lowered to half-staff in honor of Garten.
“The passing of Officer Garten is heartbreaking, and I express my deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues in the Hartford Police Department,” Lamont said. “This tragedy is an unfortunate reminder of the dangers that law enforcement face every day as they protect our neighborhoods.”
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