Conn. Officer Killed Riding Bike to Work

BY DIRK PERREFORT


The News-Times, Danbury, Conn.

DANBURY, Conn. -- Flags in the city were flying at half-staff Friday morning and firefighters placed bunting on the entrance of the police station in honor of officer Donald Hassiak, who was killed Thursday while riding his bicycle to work.

"This is a sad day for his family, for the city and for the police department," said City Council president Joseph Cavo. "This is a horrible tragedy."

Police said Hassiak, 41, a 16-year veteran of the department, was struck and killed as a result of a hit and run accident at around 10:30 p.m. on Route 7 near the Brookfield town line.

According to a press release issued early Friday morning, Hassiak, who lived in New Milford, was hit by a vehicle traveling southbound along the roadway. The officer was transported to Danbury Hospital, where he died from his injuries. Hassiak is survived by a wife and three sons, according to the release.

Authorities say they've recovered the vehicle believed to have hit Hassiak and identified the suspected driver, but officers are still looking for the person.

Mayor Mark Boughton said many people are still in shock Friday over the officer's death.

"The entire city of Danbury shares in the grief with his family and we will stand ready to assist them in any way possible," Boughton said. "Hassiak was an outstanding family man and a terrific officer. This is a tremendous loss for the department."

New Milford Police Chief Colin McCormack released a statement calling the accident a "terrible and needless tragedy."

"I cannot comprehend the anguish that such an event has caused officer Hassiak's family, friends and fellow law enforcement personnel, particularly for the Danbury Police Department where officer Hassiak was held in such high regard," McCormack said. "The New Milford Police Department is committed to solving this offense and bringing the responsible party to justice."

Rich Groski, a member of the Brookfield Lions Club with the officer's father, "Donnie," said Hassiak's father was always very proud of his son and talked about him all the time.

"He always talked about how athletic his son was and how he would ride his bike to work," Groski said. "He would ride his bike all the time."

He added that Lions Club members will do what they can to support the family through this crisis.

Officials with the Danbury Police Department have scheduled a press conference that will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday at the Main Street headquarters in the community room.

McClatchy-Tribune News Service