The attack on police officers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana hit home with law enforcement all across the nation, including Connecticut.
Social media blew up with a flood of support and condolences. State police tweeted it sadly had to re-post a memorial badge. The department also reminded residents to contact police if they see anything out of place.
Hamden police sent prayers to their colleagues in Louisiana. And Norwalk police also stood in solidarity with Baton Rouge.
In Hartford, officers were reminded to remain vigilant and report any threats so they can be vetted and investigated.
Corporal Stanley J. Parizo Jr. of the Willimantic police department released the following statement:
"The members of the Willimantic police department are saddened by the loss of more brave and courageous police officers that lost their lives this morning in Baton Rouge. These recent senseless attacks on law enforcement are on all of our minds, and our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of these fallen officers."
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The Connecticut Police Chiefs Association also released a statement expressing condolences to the people of Baton Rouge and offered comments on the tensions gripping the nation.
“Genuine discussions about police cannot be comprised solely of accusations against officers who are sworn to protect all citizens, not just a particular race or class of people. Careless statements can encourage those intent on harming law enforcement to act on their beliefs, no matter how misguided. Violence against police can never be excused or justified because of a person's grievance or perception of mistreatment by law enforcement officers,” the statement read, in part.
Today Senator Richard Blumenthal called for support and help for police.
Recently he’s been hosting roundtables with community leaders about tensions in the country involving race and police.
“There may be a need to improve policing practices and policies. And we should seek improvements but these heinous, senseless attacks really are an assault on all of us,” he said.
More of those roundtables are planned, including one in Hartford expected this week.
