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Police Captain Praises Officers Wounded In East Boston Shootout

BOSTON (CBS) - "There's not words, not words for these guys," said Captain Kelley McCormick as he fought back tears.

McCormick praised his two colleagues and friends critically injured in a shootout.

"They did everything they could for the neighborhood, for their fellow officers and for themselves. They kept themselves alive; kept the other officers alive," said McCormick.

He was among the East Boston and law enforcement communities who came together in prayer Thursday night on the precinct steps. In their thoughts were officers Richard Cintolo and Matt Morris.

Captain Kelley McCormick
East Boston Police Captain Kelley McCormick (WBZ-TV)

"When something hits home, you feel like you don't know what's going to go on next," said resident Gui Esposito.

The two veteran Boston police officers responded to a domestic incident shortly before 11 p.m. Wednesday. Two roommates, one armed with a knife, were fighting at their Gladstone Street home. When the two officers arrived they were met with a hail of gunfire.

Investigators said suspect Kirk Figueroa wore a ballistic vest and fired an assault rifle. Nine other officers charged in to pull their men out.

"Everyone did everything in their capabilities to bring these guys home safe," said McCormick.

Officer Richard Cintolo and Matt Morris
Boston Police Officer Richard Cintolo and Officer Matt Morris. (Image Credit: Boston Police Department)

Cellphone video showed the frantic rush to get the men to the hospital. Police say Figueroa was shot and killed in the exchange of gunfire. They said Figueroa was not licensed to carry a gun. They are trying to figure out why he escalated so quickly.

"I can't say enough about the bravery, the courage, and how the whole department pulled together," said BPD Commissioner Bill Evans.

The East Boston Precinct is especially tight.

"Me and Richie have known each other since November 27, 1989 - the day we started to the academy," said McCormick. "Matt's always been one of my go-to guys for everything, same as Richie's always been."

Emotionally and physically drained, McCormick and his officers went back to work knowing everyone needs time to heal.

"You shoot at my officers you shoot at the community," said McCormick. "It's been long, it's been tiring but the community has been incredible."

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