Farewell to fallen New Haven officer

by News Channel 8's Tricia Taskey
Posted Sept. 13, 2008
Updated 5:35 PM

New Haven (WTNH) -- It was a day of emotional goodbyes as one of New Haven's finest was laid to rest this today.

An army of New Haven Police officers lead the way as Sgt. Dario "Scott" Aponte's body was escorted to Saint Michael's Ukranian Church in New Haven.

It was a sad goodbye for family, friends.  Hundreds of mourners lined up outside the church this morning for the service, and burial procession to Derby.  Since so many people were expected, speakers were set up outside so those who could not get in, could at least hear the service.

"It's been a difficult week for the entire Department and today we're putting to rest one of our finest officers," said fellow New Haven Police Officer, Joe Avery.

Aponte was killed Tuesday night when his cruiser collided with another police car at the intersection of East and Chapel streets.  Both cars were responding to the same call about a domestic dispute.  The officer in the other car, Diane Gonzales is still listed in critical condition at Yale-New Haven Hospital.

Today there were prayers for Aponte and Gonzalez.  "His smile, his laugh -- he was a wonderful person.  The type of guy who would help anyone and always did," Avery said.

"Aponte came to work for me down town on the job as an officer.  Then I put him on a mounted unit and promoted him up to sergeant,"  Former New Haven Police Chief, Francisco Ortiz said. 

Ortiz watched Aponte grow from rookie cop into a veteran.  "He came to work every day, worked hard, worked with forensics, which is meticulous work and he did it flawlessly."

Officers from around the state came to pay their respects and stood shoulder to shoulder to honor a fallen brother who died doing the same dangerous job they all do.

"There's so many things that could happen, not only confronting an armed advisory -- they place their life in danger in many different ways," said Norwalk Police Chief Harry Rilling.
  
Aponte, a 17-year veteran and father of four, was laid to rest in Derby.  His friends say he'll never be forgotten.

Sgt. Aponte leaves behind four children, one of which is only four-months old, and a grand child. His wife Donna is also on the New Haven police force.

Gov. Jodi Rell has ordered flags in Connecticut to be lowered today to half-staff in memory of Sgt. Aponte.

Ortiz says more than 20 police officers have died in the New Haven Police Department.  That's the highest number of deaths than any other police department in the State.