Brett Benton, Contractor, Killed in Afghanistan

Update

DynCorp International Afghan Police Mentor Killed by IED

June 6, 2011 – DynCorp International is deeply saddened by the loss of team member Brett Benton, 37, of Dry Ridge, Kentucky, who was killed on June 4, 2011 when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle near Alingar District, Laghman Province, Afghanistan.

Mr. Benton joined the mission in May 2011, to assist in mentoring and training the Afghan National Police, following more than a decade of law enforcement service in Kentucky.

“Brett was a hero who served our country throughout his life: in the National Guard, as a law enforcement officer in Kentucky and supporting U.S. operations in Afghanistan,” said Steve Gaffney, chairman and CEO of DynCorp International. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time.”

Under a contract with the U.S. Army, DI assists the NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan/Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan (NTM-A/CSTC-A) by providing specialized training and mentoring services for the Afghanistan Ministry of Interior (MoI) and Afghan National Police (ANP).

Update

Benton and a number of other contractors were killed when an improvised explosive device detonated near them. MSNBC

Update

Details of Benton’s death have not yet been revealed, the statement said. But reports say that he was killed by a roadside improvised explosive device (IED) early this morning.

According to the Kenton County Police website, during his time as an officer, Sergeant Benton worked in the K-9 division with a police dog named Tommy.

Former Kenton County Sergeant Killed in Afghanistan    June 4, 2011 11:49 pm

A man who resigned from the Kenton County Police Department to go to Afghanistan has died.

Sergeant Brett Benton resigned from his job with the department in May.

–

Friends tell Local 12 News that Benton left for Afghanistan to work as a contractor and teach locals how to be better police officers.

–

He’d only been in the country for a couple of weeks when we was killed.

–

Details on the cause and time of death have not been released.

–

Flags are now flying at half-staff in Kenton County in Benton’s honor.

–

Funeral arrangements have not been announced.