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'They Protect Us': Belichick Says Patriots Support Boston Police, Injured Officers

FOXBORO (CBS) – Patriots head coach Bill Belichick started his press conference on Friday with a message of support for the Boston Police Department and two of its officers who were critically wounded in a shootout Wednesday night.

"Before we get into Cincinnati, on behalf of the team, I just want to express our appreciation and support for the Boston Police Department," Belichick said. "I can't imagine, but I can imagine the amount of stress that department has to deal with and their challenges every day, and the difficulty of the situation they've been put in."

Related: Police Make Plea For Blood Donations After Officers Shot In East Boston

Veteran Boston police officers Richard Cintolo and Matt Morris were in critical but stable condition Friday following a violent confrontation in East Boston.

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

Belichick said he wanted police in the department to know that the Patriots are behind them.

"We appreciate them, we appreciate what they do for us, and how they protect us," he said. "We're there for them."

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