Fallen officers honored at 2024 Aquidneck Island Police Parade
MIDDLETOWN, R.I. (WLNE) — A grand but somber display in Middletown as law enforcement from around New England gathered for the 2024 Aquidneck Island Police Parade.
The parade, which started in the 1970s, was held in memory of police who died over the past year, highlighting three specific fallen officers.
The event began by honoring Hartford Police Det. Robert Garten, Officer Paul Tracey, and Connecticut State Police K-9 Broko, all of whom were killed in the line of duty over the past year.
2024 Aquidneck Island Police Parade. (WLNE)
“It’s a very solemn reminder of what the danger is we face every day as law enforcement,” Connecticut State Trooper Mark Roberts said. “We’re here to honor and respect the families that all lost loved ones along the way.”
Members from the three departments were represented at the parade alongside family members of the fallen officers.
“We have representation from all three of those departments and they came out in full force,” Sgt. Dave Guerriero, who is also the vice president of the parade, said. “We are so appreciative of them and happy to be honoring them.”
Det. Garten and Officer Tracey were both killed in unrelated traffic accidents, while K-9 Broko was shot while defending his handler.
“Law enforcement nationwide is one big family,” Waltham Police Capt. Jeff Rodley said. “We’re honored to be a part of this Aquidneck parade and look forward to being here to honor the fallen members for years to come.”
The parade’s grand marshals were the McGregor brothers whose father, Maj. Alister McGregor of the East Providence Police Department, was killed in a training accident in 2001.
All three brothers are now members of law enforcement in Southern New England.
“I think we all have kind of a family lineage that we respect by being here today,” Roberts said. “My great-grandfather was actually the first trooper in Connecticut to die on the line of duty. We’ve lost several department members over the years.”
“We’ve been here many years and we love this parade for that reason,” Roberts added. “It’s a great way to celebrate and honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while also supporting the community and our families.”
The parade started on West Main Road and concluded at the Washington Square Review Stand in Newport.
Over 30 police departments and 10 bands participated in the march.
