The mother of a fallen Connecticut detective has lectured a Democratic-led town council for voting against flying a “thin blue line” flag to honor recently slain soldiers.
Debbie Garten, mother of a Hartford Police Department detective. Robert “Bobby” Garten, who was killed in the line of duty in September 2023, shared a heartfelt testimony at Monday’s Wethersfield Town Council meeting about why the “thin blue line” “The flag is important to those who have lost loved ones in the war. responsibility range.
“I understand you may have your own opinions and policies, but I want to share some of my thoughts with you,” Garten said. “Was this issue mishandled? There’s no doubt about it.”
Garten said the situation took a “huge toll” on her.
Connecticut town refuses to fly ‘Fight the Blue Line’ flag to honor fallen soldiers
Debbie Garten, the fallen mother of the Hartford Police Department. Robert “Bobby” Garten gave a heartfelt speech at the Wethersfield Town Council meeting on June 17 about why the “Thin Blue Line” flag is important to the families of slain officers. (Wethersfield Town Council)
“I feel like you are all missing the point of this flag requirement, which is causing great harm to me, a lifelong resident of this town for 60 years, my family, the residents of Wethersfield, and the entire law enforcement community,” she said. . “The impact of this committee’s actions is immeasurable. “
She said the aftermath of the decision was “embarrassing”.
““As the Pelletier family mourns the death of Private First Class Aaron Pelletier, some council members choose to appear on television and I feel are essentially embarrassing themselves and the town of Wethersfield,” Garten explain.
“It is disheartening to witness news reports and hear disrespectful and hurtful comments made by some town council members, especially as First Class Pelletier’s week and funeral is underway,” she said.
Connecticut State Police Trooper 1st Class Aaron Pelletier was killed in a hit-and-run on May 30 and was laid to rest on June 5. (Connecticut State Police)
The mother of a fallen officer said she was happy to see her son’s name on the Connecticut Law Enforcement Memorial and to see a line of “Thin Blue Line” flags flying in Washington, D.C.
“In addition to honoring fallen officers, the Blue Line flag supports families,” Garten said. “It shows that they are not alone in their grief, but that there is a network of people who understand and sympathize with our pain.”
She added that the flag symbolizes a “united community” that can come together after losing a hero.
“This flag symbolizes a united community that provides comfort, compassion and assistance to all who have experienced this unimaginable loss,” she said. “The Thin Blue Line has deep personal meaning to me. It is A tribute to my son’s service and sacrifice, it serves as a symbol of his honor, his strength and his memory of all he stood for.”
Hartford Police Department Det. Robert “Bobby” Garten, 34, was killed in September 2023 when the cruiser he was driving was struck by another vehicle that police said was fleeing an unrelated traffic stop. (City of Hartford)
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She said in part that while the flag “cannot take away the pain or fill the void left by fallen officers,” it does represent “community’s gratitude to those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.”
“It represents society’s gratitude and respect for the men and women who risk their lives for the greater good, and it serves as a symbol of solidarity; a reminder that we support and uplift the families of fallen officers and ensure they are not left behind or left behind. Forgetting,” Garten said.
Garten formally asked the town council to raise the “Thin Blue Line” flag for two weeks in May 2025, one week for National Police Week and one week for the Connecticut State Police Memorial Ceremony.
“May your bravery and sacrifice never be forgotten,” she said. “RIP.”
Her statement came after Wethersfield Town Council members voted 5-3 to reject a proposal to fly the “Thin Blue Line” flag after a heated debate, with some describing them as “white supremacists” ” and “hostile elements.”
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In a recording of a June town council meeting, Democratic Councilwoman Emily Zambrello said the flag was “considered hostile.”
“The flag was either created in direct response or at least became popular “Black Lives Matter” protests,” Zambrello said. “Even if you don’t think so, it’s seen as confrontational, and I don’t think that’s a good flag to fly, especially without further discussion.”
Wethersfield Mayor Ken Lesser said in an interview that the flag was associated with racism.
“It’s now being used by white supremacist groups and other far-right groups,” Lesser said. “Even a lot of police departments across the country and in Connecticut are saying ‘we don’t authorize the use of that flag.'”
The Thin Blue Line The United States describes the “Thin Blue Line” flag as a symbol of police force that separates order from chaos. (iStock)
The disagreement started with connecticut state troopers First Class Aaron Pelletier, 34, was killed last month during a routine traffic stop, leaving behind a wife and two young boys.
Republican Councilman Rich Bailey suggested the town raise a “Thin Blue Line” flag above City Hall to commemorate Pelletier’s sacrifice — immediately drawing the ire of most Democrats on the committee.
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The Thin Blue Line is a symbol that represents the police that differentiate between order and chaos. thin blue line america, A company that sells merchandise with flags supporting law enforcement, veterans and first responders.
“Fly the Thin Blue Line flag to show support for our law enforcement heroes and reassure them that they will always be there to protect us,” the Thin Blue Line USA website reads. “For those who have walked this line , the Thin Blue Line is an expression of courage, a pledge of brotherhood, and a tribute to those who have died in the line of duty.”
