Bridgeport firefighters were given an Elf field commission by Santa to assist in delivering toys and meals to children throughout the city. Firefighters spend the entire year collecting the toys and the last two days wrapping and checking the list and checking it twice for deliveries in the next couple of days. It was a pleasure to spend time with Captain Richard Donofrio and the crew of Engine 12 on Beechmont Avenue Thursday night and spreading the cheer and delivering the gifts. This video report captured the magic in the children’s eyes!
Mayor Bill Finch and Police Chief Joseph Gaudett Jr. presided over promotion ceremonies for a new deputy chief and six new detectives. During the ceremonies, Captain James Baraja will be promoted to Deputy Chief.
The following police officers were sworn in as detectives:
Gregory Iamartino, Thomas Scholl II, Vincent Lariccia, Wilfredo Nieves, Lawrence Lazaro Jr. and Jessi Pizarro. Photos can be viewed on Facebook or Shutterfly
Some customers are still waiting to receive electronics purchased online in December and November, including some Black Friday specials, according to various media reports. …Many who wrote in said Best Buy ruined their Christmas. Read full report……
As of 1:30 p.m., four people were demonstrating in Tilley Pond Park, including Rague and Redding Constable Leif Smith, who sang to an audience of reporters and the few police officers left. Darien Police have sent many officers home because there is no need for them. Read full story….
One man walking along Marlborough Terrace with a Sawzall in one hand and a catalytic converter in the other was all it took for police to make five arrests just outside of Scap Dodge in connection to stolen catalytic converters. Read full story….
21-year Dayquan Henry, of Carroll Avenue was shot multiple times and died of his injuries on Newfield Ave. in Bridgeport. The shooting occurred shortly after 12:30am, police found his body in a backyard although you can see in the video an officer marking a shell casing on Beardsley Street at the corner of Newfield Ave. Witnesses say they heard several gunshots and then heard a car speed away down Beardsley Street. This is Bridgeport’s 19th homicide of the year. If you have information on this shooting Bridgeport Police ask you contact the detective bureau at 203-581-5201; All information will be confidential.
SMYRNA, Tenn. – For the rest of the semester, a Rutherford County elementary student has to eat lunch at the “silent table” for allegedly waving around a slice of pizza some say resembled a gun. Nicholas’ mother LeAnn calls her son’s punishment “absolutely ridiculous” saying he was just playing around and never said anything derogatory or anything about shooting anyone. Read full story……
It’s been 30 years since gasoline took such a big bite out of the family budget. When the gifts from Grandma are unloaded and holiday travel is over, the typical American household will have spent $4,155 filling up this year, a record. That is 8.4 percent of what the median family takes in, the highest share since 1981. Read full story…..
PYONGYANG, North Korea (AP) – North Korea displayed the body of ruler Kim Jong Il in a glass coffin surrounded by red flowers Tuesday, and his young heir was one of the first to pay respects – a strong indication that a smooth leadership transition was under way. Read full story…… with video.
Gomes Honored as One of “100 Most Influential Blacks in Connecticut”
State Senator Ed Gomes (D-Bridgeport, Stratford) was honored by the Connecticut State Conference of the NAACP at a ceremony in Hartford earlier this month, and named one of the “100 Most Influential Blacks in Connecticut.”
“It is truly an honor to have been recognized by the NAACP, an association of leaders, as an influential member of Connecticut’s African American community. I admire so many people on this year’s list, and it is flattering to be counted among them. I will continue working in the year ahead to make a difference in the lives of African Americans, in the area of housing and on many other issues,” said Senator Gomes.
The ceremony was held in Hartford during the 46th NAACP State Convention on December 10th, which featured committee meetings, workshops for youth and adults and a health fair. Dick Gregory, an author, comedian and key figure in the civil rights movement, offered keynote remarks before presentation of the awards.
Senator Gomes served in the US Army from 1958-1963, before taking work as a laborer and member of the United Steelworkers of America (USWA). He was the first African American to serve as International Representative and the Civil Rights Coordinator for District 1 of the United Steelworkers of America (USWA), comprised of all the New England states. He was eventually elected as a vice president of the Connecticut AFL-CIO Executive Board.
Senator Gomes served on the Bridgeport City Council for a total of 13 years before winning the 23rd State Senate seat in a special election in November of 2005. He represents the communities of Bridgeport and Stratford, and serves as Senate Chair of the Housing Committee.
Other notable honorees from the Bridgeport area included:
State Rep. Charles “Don” Clemons (D-Bridgeport)
State Rep. Charlie L. Stallworth (D-Bridgeport)
Kristin duBay Horton, Director of Health & Social Services for the City of Bridgeport
Deborah Caviness Sr., Program Administrator for the City of Bridgeport
Peter F. Hurst, Jr., President & CEO of The Community’s Bank
