Month: March 2020

2020-03-30@1:11pm–#Bridgeport CT– A woman is reporting to police that her gun was stolen from her unlocked car in the 200 block of Tremont Avenue.

This news report is made possible by:

2020-03-30@12: 37pm–#Bridgeport CT– Police are investigating an attempted carjacking in the 200 block of Dover Street.

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HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he has been notified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that his request  for a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Connecticut in response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been approved, unlocking additional federal assistance programs for the state.

Today’s approval is for public assistance, meaning that impacted state agencies and municipalities in all eight counties will be reimbursed for 75 percent of the costs associated with their response and emergency protective measures.

The governor’s other request for disaster assistance, including individual assistance that could provide Connecticut residents with a number of critical benefits, such as expanded unemployment assistance, food benefits, and child care assistance, remains under review by the White House.

“I am grateful that the federal government is recognizing the severity of this pandemic in Connecticut and the impact it is having on the health and safety of the people of our state. It is an important step in providing critical aid in our communities,” Governor Lamont said. “I remain hopeful that our request for assistance for individuals will also be approved because this pandemic has had a significant impact on the livelihoods of so many people in Connecticut. Thousands of workers and families are badly hurting. Unlocking this assistance would mean expanded unemployment benefits for those who are out of work because of the emergency, needed food benefits, child care assistance, and a host of other critically important aid.

“This funding is imperative to protecting the health and safety of the people of our state and further limiting the spread of this disease. I am grateful to our entire Congressional delegation who vigorously advocated for this declaration on our behalf. We will continue doing everything in our power to minimize both the health threat and the economic threat of this virus.”

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#Bridgeport CT– A large number of AMR ambulances assembled near Bass Pro and tagged with FEMA placards I’m told they are heading to News York.  It is unknown how this will affect our local area EMS staffing in our area at this time.

UPDATE:  The State of CT readjusted their strategies yesterday evening due to resources and manpower. They are now looking to open Alternative Care Sites in Stamford (UCONN), Danbury (Western CT State Univ) and New Haven (Southern CT State Univ).

Bridgeport, CT – Mayor Ganim announced today that he approved the Emergency Plan with the State of Connecticut Department of Emergency Management to stage Webster Bank Arena as the site for hospital overflow.  The activation of this plan will provide hospitals in Connecticut with an Alternate Care Site for patients if there is a surge or patient overflow due to Coronavirus. 

The Alternate Care Site at the Arena will be equipped with 128 beds and various medical equipment to care for ambulatory or mild symptomatic patients.  The City of Bridgeport Emergency Management reports that we can expect to see the arrival of equipment to the Arena by this Tuesday, March 31, 2020. 

Activation and administration for the alternative healthcare facility would be overseen by the State Emergency Operations Center with assistance by the National Guard as needed.

“Bridgeport is in a unique situation being so close to New York City with Fairfield County being Connecticut’s epicenter for Coronavirus, representing 2/3 of our state’s positive cases.  In the last week, two of our residents succumbed to the virus, and the number of positive Coronavirus cases in Bridgeport tripled,” stated Mayor Ganim.  “We need to take as many proactive measures as we can to support government and healthcare officials by ensuring that emergency plans are in place to stay ahead of further devastating effects and support the healthcare system.”

This press release is made possible by:

3:51am–#Bridgeport CT– Firefighters were called to 1072 Stratford Avenue for a structure fire.  When Ladder 6 arrived they found heavy fire on the left side of the building which quickly engulfed the structure.  At 4am a second alarm was transmitted as the fire extended into the third floor and then through the roof.  At 4:20am the evacuation tones sounded indicating to firefighters to exit the building and that firefighters were only to make an exterior attack on the fire, just in time as they reported all four sides of the building were engulfed and there was a collapse of the structure.  At 5:05am firefighters reported the bulk of the fire was out.   Mutual aid was provided by surrounding towns to staff the unmanned fire stations.

The American Red Cross is helping two families – five adults with assistance to meet the families’ immediate needs. Responders included: Ivette Ruiz and Frank Casella.  The Red Cross is also providing comfort kits containing personal care items such as toothbrushes, deodorant, shaving supplies and other items a resident might need when suddenly displaced from their home by a fire. In addition, a recovery envelope containing information helpful to families recovering from a fire, including tips on cleanup; notification of important contacts; dealing with damaged items and more was provided.

Special Thanks to Garth Trotto for providing an excellent timeline of events for this article.