South Windsor, Conn., Police Sgt. Matthew Mainieri lost his life while trying to break up a fight, officials said _ answering the call of a peacemaker.
The details of what happened early Sunday morning in Murrells Inlet, S.C., are disturbing. Police allege Sgt. Mainieri was hit in the head during a fight outside a bar. Despite the best efforts of bystanders and emergency responders, the injury proved fatal.
The 41-year-old, a 20-year veteran of the South Windsor police force, was the kind of law enforcement officer any community would be lucky to have.
He received a medal of valor and a chief's award, and he was one of three members of the police department recognized for their efforts in a July 2009 13-hour standoff with Richard Shenkman. Sgt. Mainieri was among those who took him into custody.
Former police chief Matthew Reed said Sgt. Mainieri sought out responsibility and "never wanted anything in return." He worked with youths in town and was "remarkably dedicated to the law enforcement community," Mr. Reed said.
Good people are easy to find in Connecticut's small towns, but Sgt. Mainieri's commitment to the safety of his neighbors was unparalleled. His death is a devastating loss to South Windsor and all of Connecticut.
