Greenland Shooting Hits Home for Bedford Police Captain

Bedford Police Captain Daniel Douidi was just settling in at home, anxiously anticipating the drop of the puck in the Boston Bruins playoff opener, when he heard the news.

Excitement turned to anguish as he, and police officers across the state absorbed the unfolding developments.

A group of his brothers in blue had been ambushed. Greenland Police Chief Michael Maloney would later be pronounced dead from a gunshot wound allegedly inflicted by Cullen Mutrie, a man with a whose home was about to have a search warrant executed.

"It's just a total tragedy, it's just devastating," said Douidi. "It hits you hard. It hits law enforcement for the whole state hard. It could happen to any of us."

Douidi, who met Maloney once, years ago, said he was absolutely sickened by the events.

"We're like a second family, a brotherhood, and when something like this happens it definitely reminds you of why we put on the badge everyday," he said. "It makes you realize why you hug your kids before you leave for work each day."

Despite the recent string of Granite State police shootings, Douidi said he doesn't feel the job is any more or less dangerous, but he did note that it brings to light that there is a growing drug problem in New Hampshire, and he hopes lawmakers take notice.

The reality is, police officers are often placed in vulnerable situations, he added.

"It doesn't matter if you're going to the scene of a reported homicide, pulling someone over for a broken tail light or answering a dog complaint, you always have to be prepared," said Douidi. "That's where our training comes in and you just have to hope for the best and remember the reasons we all do this. It's a dangerous job, but we save lives.

"I'll tell you one thing," he said, "if a call came in (like the one in Greenland) today, there isn't an officer in this department, or in the state, who would hesitate to respond."

Today, however, is a day of mourning for Douidi and the rest of his brothers.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the officers, their departments and their families," said Douidi.