While many people celebrated a festive holiday season, the immediate and extended families of two Bristol, Connecticut, police officers gunned down in the line of duty on Oct. 12 were still lamenting the recent loss of their loved ones.”¯ At the time of the tragedy, family-owned”¯Baribault Jewelers custom-created a blue-cord bracelet as part of its The Power to B collection to benefit The Bristol Police Heroes Fund.”¯ Since 100% of the proceeds were donated directly to the fund, the “Thin Blue Line” bracelets sold out within hours.”¯ Now, just in time to commemorate National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day on Monday, Jan. 9, the Glastonbury jeweler is proud to unveil 50 more limited-edition bracelets for the ongoing support of the local charity.
“As the wife of a police officer, I want to ensure that”¯Sgt. Dustin Demonte”¯and Officer Alex Hamzy”™s ultimate sacrifice is never forgotten,” said Christina Baribault Ortiz, co-owner of Baribault Jewelers.”¯ “We were overwhelmed by the outpouring of support for the first round of bracelets and know that the Connecticut community will come through again.”
”¯Thus far, Baribault Jewelers has raised $10,000 for The Bristol Police Heroes Fund, with a check being presented to Bristol Police Lieut. Robert Osborne on Nov. 4.
Baribault Ortiz and her sister Raeann Baribault Schwartz created”¯The Power to B ”¯jewelry collection”¯four years ago to encourage everyone to “B Strong, B Fierce, B Badass, B Limitless or B Fearless” by linking these cursive phrases with a colorful cord.
The commemorative “Thin Blue Line” design features a power word in silver on a blue cord to give strength to the wearer while showing support for the men and women in blue.”¯The bracelet will be available for purchase for $78 at Baribault Jewelers store at 81 Rankin Road and on Baribault Jewelers”™ website.
“My family is honored that our special charity bracelet was able to help raise funds for such a meaningful cause,” added Baribault Schwartz. “We can”™t take the pain away, but we hope to make just a small difference by comforting the families now and in the year ahead.”
