Washington, DC— Today, Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) released the following statement on the Russian invasion of Ukraine:
“By invading Ukraine, Vladimir Putin has chosen to violate international law and ignore the warnings of the United States, NATO, and the community of free nations. This decision will bring terrible consequences for him and his supporters in the form of sanctions and other crippling measures. He should immediately withdraw all troops or risk an escalation in consequences that will not end well for him or his regime.”
The Stratford Library, 2203 Main Street in Stratford, Connecticut will be participating in Fairfield County’s Community Foundation annual “Giving Day” on Thursday, February 24 th . This is a 24-hour online event to “Give Where You Live” and support the work of local non-profits like the local Library.
Funds raised on “Giving Day” by the Library will be used for StratCon, a pop culture convention for teens scheduled at the Library next October. The Library’s goal is to raise $2500 towards the cost of presenters, crafts, prizes, snacks, programs, a karaoke machine and more. Each contribution as little as $10 can make an impact in 24 hours. Patrons can donate directly online by visiting the link on “Giving Day”: https://www.fcgives.org/organizations/stratford-library-association.
Additional information can be found on the Library website: www.stratfordlibrary.org.
This press release was made possible by:
https://www.bmwofbridgeport.com/
Bridgeport Police Statement With RebuttalOn December 12, 2021, the Bridgeport Emergency Operations Center (EOC) received a call for service regarding an untimely death (No. 21000105892). Upon police arrival, it was found that Ms. Brenda Lee Rawls (DOB 12/02/1968) had passed away unexpectedly. As is protocol, the Bridgeport Police Department (BPD) Detective Bureau (DB) took charge of the untimely death investigation under DB case No. 21D-1890.
On January 31, 2022, the Bridgeport Police Department Identification Unit was advised by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) that Brenda Lee Rawls toxicology came back negative. The Rawls family was immediately notified. The family was also informed that additional tests were necessary before the OCME would make a decision on cause and manner of death.
On February 22, 2022, the Connecticut OCME determined the cause and manner of death of Ms. Brenda Lee Rawls. The manner of death has been certified as Natural. The cause of death has been certified as Cardiovascular Disease. The contributory cause of death is Diabetes. The OCME has notified the next of kin. The Detective Bureau will officially close this case once the OCME legal documents are physically received at the Bridgeport Police Department.
The Bridgeport Police Department continues to express their heartfelt sympathies to the Rawls family during this difficult time.
City Council Woman Maria Pereira responded:
Mr. Appleby, I have been authorized to issue this written response to your press release by the Brenda Lee Rawls family whom are on copy on this email. This is highly inappropriate and incredibly insensitive to the family. It further demonstrates the lack of compassion demonstrated by the City of Bridgeport and the BPD. The family was just notified of the cause of death less than two hours ago and has not even had an opportunity to digest the autopsy results, and all the City cares about is issuing a press release to try to absolve themselves of this fiasco. The autopsy doesn’t excuse the conduct of the BPD in failing to notify the family of Brenda’s death, the disrespect they showed Brenda’s family and that they did not know the cause of death when they failed to treat the location as a potential crime scene. You further state “The Detective Bureau will officially close this case once the OCME legal documents are physically received at the Bridgeport Police Department.” The BPD cannot “close a case” or investigation that they never initiated in the first place. Brenda Lee Rawls’ family will be pursuing an independent autopsy as they have no faith in this outcome. Respectfully yours, City Councilwoman Maria Pereira This press release was made possible by:
Bridgeport, CT – With warmer weather soon to come, the City of Bridgeport Department of Public Facilities is preparing to support our residents’ springtime cleaning efforts and clear street debris.
Tuesday, February 22, 2022, Bridgeport’s Public Facilities crews started cleaning the city’s East End neighborhood (139th district). Crews are focusing on pothole repair, sweeping, madvacing, and illegal pickup.
Clean-up of the city’s East End neighborhood (139th district) will be complete on Friday, February 25th, weather permitting. Once complete, the crews will move on to other district areas until the entire City has been completed. Please check the Public Facilities webpage for updates on cleanups in your district.
Things to Know: The street cleaning program is not trash pickup .Regular trash pickup will occur as scheduled for your neighborhood.Brown Bag Collection has been postponed until April 1st. If you have brown bags or Christmas trees that have been missed please contact the Phone number listed below to schedule for pickup. Pothole repair is ongoing please call 203 576-7130 or click on the link See-Click-Fix to report a pothole. For additional information regarding Spring Clean-up, contact the Department of Public Facilities at 203-576-7130.
2022-02-23@2:37pm–#Bridgeport CT– A person in a wheelchair was hit by a car in the parking lot in the 400 block of Olive Street. The person was transported to the hospital with unknown injuries.
(Westport, CT 2/23/2022) On this date at approximately 6:45 a.m., a Westport Police officer who was driving through Fairfield on his way to work in Westport
#Westport, CT 2/23/2022) On this date at approximately 6:45 a.m., a Westport Police officer who was driving through Fairfield on his way to work in Westport encountered a suicidal male who was preparing to jump off the Redding Road overpass onto the Merritt Parkway below.
As Officer Brian Meraviglia was traveling over the bridge, he saw the male leaning over the side and it seemed clear that his intention was to jump. Officer Meraviglia got out of his car and started speaking with the individual who was obviously distraught. As the two were talking, Officer Meraviglia was able to get close to him. This enabled Officer Meraviglia to grab the person and move him away from the bridge. Once the party was in a safe location, Officer Meraviglia as well as a good Samaritan who was passing by worked to comfort the individual and provide emotional support.
Fairfield Police officers who are trained to aid those who are experiencing an emotion crisis as well as State Police troopers also responded to the scene. The male was transported to a local hospital for an evaluation.
Chief Foti Koskinas said he is extremely proud of Officer Meraviglia and noted that his quick actions likely prevented a tragic outcome. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please understand that there are people who want to help as well as available resources. For further information go to: https://portal.ct.gov/…/Finding-Services/Suicide-Resources.
The FAA is reporting today:New Unruly Passenger Numbers since 1/1/22: – 607 reports of unruly passengers- 397 related to facemasks- 144 investigations initiated – 80 FAA enforcement cases initiated
Mayor Ganim announced that city will lift the mask mandate in Bridgeport as of 12:01am, Wednesday February 23, 2022. The Executive Order, No. 4 was issued on August 10, 2021 and required all individuals in the City of Bridgeport to wear facial masks while indoors at any public places and/or in any business.
Mayor Ganim stated, “The COVID virus and the means of protection have stifled our community for two years now. During that time we took many precautionary measures, used good judgement and made adjustments – the masks helped especially when dealing with COVID variants and when we gathered around individuals that are vulnerable or children not eligible for the vaccine. I explained that we would review the data and make decisions best for our city. Based on the numbers in Bridgeport and the surrounding communities, we believe it is time to lift the mandate. I must add that this does not mean that the virus is over, and that vaccines remain our best line of defense as we cannot predict who will contract the virus or its severity. Our Health Department will continue to host free vaccination clinics every Friday.”
Free COVID-19 Vaccination clinics continue to be available:
DPH Communicable Disease Clinic at 752 East Main Street, every Friday
Full listing of sites at GetVaxBPT.com
Free COVID-19 Testing sites continue to be available seven days a week:
North Branch Library, 3455 Madison Avenue,
DPH Communicable Disease Clinic at 752 East Main Street.
Full listing of sites at GetTestedBPT.com
The City of Bridgeport will remain a “mask friendly” community. Adults, children, and visitors that choose to continue to wear a mask for their wellness and health protection are encouraged and welcome to do so. Individuals that feel sick should remember to stay home, and individuals that test positive for COVID are advised to follow appropriate quarantine guidelines. Information regarding COVID can be found at GetVaxBPT.com
This press release was made possible by:
Visit BMW of Bridgeport at: https://www.bmwofbridgeport.com/
BRIDGEPORT-On Thursday February 17, 2022, at 1930hrs the Bridgeport Police were dispatched to the 500th block of West Avenue on a preliminary report of a Check the Welfare/Possible Robbery in progress. This was based upon a text-to-911 that was received by the Bridgeport ECC that indicated a party was being held at gunpoint. While on-scene at the door of the apartment Officers provided verbal commands for the occupants to come out. Three parties exited the apartment without incident. Two parties tried to elude police. One was injured from a fall; the other was detained on a roof area. The incident was investigated by the Bridgeport Police Patrol division along with the Detective Bureau through interviews from all parties over the next few days to determine the exact cause of the incident. It has been determined the incident involved a dispute over money by known parties. Raymond Lopez of Bridgeport was arrested on the following charges: 29-35(a) CARRYING PISTOL WO PERMIT, 53a-167a INTERFERE WITH OFFCR/RESISTING, 53a-217c CRIM POSSESS PISTOL/REVOLVER, 53a-61aa THREATENING 1ST DEG, 53a-63 RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT 1ST DEG, and 53a-95 UNLAWFUL RESTRAINT 1ST DEG. Bond set at $50,000. Also Arrested was Amanda Mayo of Norwich on the following outstanding warrant based on 51-164r(a) FLR TO RESPOND TO INFRACTION. Bond set at $1,000. Reports by outside sources had indicated this incident was a standoff and involved parties shot, which was not the case for this incident but the Bridgeport Police force the media to rely on outside sources since it only took FIVE DAYS after requesting this report. The chief was on scene but refused to talk to the media on what happened but ran off to her car to flee questions.
