Former N.H. police officer is killed in Afghanistan
The city of Franklin, N.H., was mourning yesterday after National Guard officials confirmed that one of their own - described as a likable, longtime municipal police officer - was killed in action in southern Afghanistan.
Corporal Scott Dimond, 39, died from injuries from an improvised explosive device after his military convoy was attacked Monday near Lashkar Gah in Helmand Province, said Major Greg Heilshorn, spokesman for the New Hampshire National Guard.
Mayor Ken Merrifield of Franklin said the community is grieving.
"Our hearts go out to the Dimond family," Merrifield said. "The community is deeply shocked. I've been receiving phone calls all day."
Merrifield remembered Dimond's years on the police force, from 1988 to 2006, as an officer and a sergeant.
"He was a very likable, very approachable fellow, a real asset to the city," Merrifield said. "We are very saddened, but we obviously appreciate his service both as a police officer and as a National Guardsman - always putting himself between us and danger throughout his career."
Dimond, a Guard member since 2006, served with C Company, Third Battalion, 172d Mountain Infantry Regiment, working as a mentor to the Afghan National Guard and national police force. He deployed in January as part of an Army Guard embedded tactical training team.
Before he served in Afghanistan, Dimond was a member of the Guard Honors Team, which supports military funerals, Heilshorn said.
Dimond's family could not be reached for comment.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Scott's family during this time of deep sadness," said Major General Kenneth Clark, adjutant general of the New Hampshire National Guard. "May they take some comfort in knowing that Scott was committed to serving others . . . His sacrifice for our freedom will never be forgotten."
Governor John Lynch issued a statement, offering his thanks and condolences to the Dimond family. "My thoughts and prayers, and those of my wife, Susan, are with the family," Lynch said. 