Waterford Police Mourn “Officer” Madeline Guarraia

Waterford police officers will wear mourning bands on their badges in honor of 9-year-old Madeline Guarraia.

Madeline, of East Lyme, died on Wednesday after a nearly 5 year battle with cancer.

Last year, Madeline was sworn in as an honorary member of the Waterford Police Department. She would go out on patrol with officers around town, including a shift last month.

"The Waterford Police Department would like to express their condolences to the family of Waterford Police Officer Madeline Guarraia, badge #8," the department posted on its Facebook page Thursday. "Her parents say that she carried her appointment very seriously, and we thoroughly enjoyed every time she was on duty with us."

The heartbreaking post ends "Rest in Peace Madeline, we'll carry it from here."

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