🏀💙 BALLIN’ FOR BOBBY Last week, we came together at Hartford PAL for the annual Ballin’ for Bobby basketball tournament to honor Detective Robert “Bobby” Garten and support the Robert Garten Memorial Fund. Thank you to the players, organizers, and everyone who came out or donated. Your continued support helps keep Bobby’s memory alive and means so much to our HPD family. Forever remembered. Forever one of us. 💙

The Hartford Police Department mourns the loss of Deputy Chief Jason Lee, a respected member of the HPD family whose career reflected more than two decades of service to the department and the City of Hartford. Deputy Chief Lee graduated with Hartford Police Academy Class 2005-1. Throughout his career, he served in Patrol, the Safe City Initiative alongside the Connecticut State Police, the Southwest Conditions Unit, and as a detective in the Crime Scene Division. After being promoted to Sergeant, he remained in CSD and later served there as a Lieutenant. While a Lieutenant, he also served as Chief of Staff for then-Chief Jason Thody. Lee finished first on the Captain promotional examination, was promoted to Captain, and later to Deputy Chief. Most recently, he served as Deputy Chief of Professional Standards while remaining actively involved in numerous department initiatives, including recruitment and the continued development of the Hartford Police Department. Perhaps nothing spoke more clearly to his character than the way he continued to serve during his battle with cancer. Throughout treatment, Deputy Chief Lee continued coming to work and remained actively engaged in the department. Unless you knew what he was facing personally, you would never have known the fight he was going through. Even through his treatments and into his final days, he continued to contribute, support his colleagues, and remain involved in the work that meant so much to him. We extend our deepest condolences to the entire Lee family, and we thank them for sharing Jason with the Hartford Police Department for so many years. His time, friendship, guidance, and devotion to this department meant more than words can fully express. Deputy Chief Jason Lee leaves behind a legacy that will remain a part of the Hartford Police Department for years to come. Rest in peace, Deputy Chief Lee. Your service will never be forgotten.

💙 HARTFORD STRONG Officer Alex Diaz was released from the hospital today after being shot in the line of duty last night. A Hartford native, member of Academy Class 22-1, and member of our Street Crimes Unit, Officer Diaz represents what it means to wear the Hartford Police uniform — courage, commitment, and an unwavering dedication to our city. Officer Diaz and his fellow Street Crimes officers have worked tirelessly to remove numerous illegal firearms from our city streets, making Hartford safer for the residents they serve. That commitment to protecting this community is at the core of who Alex is as a police officer. Last night, he put himself in harm’s way while serving this community. Today, we are grateful to see him heading home. We also extend our deepest gratitude to the Rocky Hill Police Department, whose officer was also struck by gunfire, as well as the surrounding police departments and law enforcement agencies who responded and stood beside us during an incredibly difficult night. To Officer Diaz’s Street Crimes teammates, every member of the Hartford Police Department, and the countless members of the public who have reached out, offered prayers, sent messages, and shown their support — thank you. The support shown for Alex, our officers, and the entire law enforcement community has meant more than words can express. Stay strong, Alex. Hartford stands with you. 💙

A small appreciation celebration was held at the Senior Center on Maple Ave on January 9 to thank our law enforcement officers—especially our CSOs—for their continued service and dedication. 💙👮‍♂️👮‍♀️👏