DoingItLocal

Earlier Thursday two firefighters were injured battling a blaze on East Main Street. At an accident scene my mind was on the condition of Lt. Peter Morotto and firefighter Pat Burlinson so I had to ask Assistant Fire Chief Dominick Carfi their condition. They will be in pain for awhile, not life threatening but they will be in pain from a flash over they encountered in their attempt to rescue someone they thought was trapped in apartment fire.

Seat belts saved some lives in Bridgeport when a single car crashed into a utility pole on Railroad Avenue near Howard Avenue just before 11pm Thursday night. Assistant Fire Chief Dominick Carfi told us that the pole was snapped but a metal riser supported the pole. One man got himself out of the wreck but the two other occupants had to extricated by firefighters. All three were taken to local hospitals.

BRIDGEPORT — Two firefighters were injured Thursday afternoon after a fire broke out in an East Main Street building. The firefighters were injured from a flash that erupted from the blaze, according to scanner dispatches. The two were rushed to     READ FULL STORY…..

A fire that started on a vacant second floor apartment chased tenants in this 3 family home into the cold Tuesday night around 8:30pm.  When fire units arrived they reported heavy fire in the rear of the structure.  A couple of hand lines knocked the blaze out and firefighters worked at opening walls and siding checking for extensions.  Jean Sureany was chased out after a neighbor banged on his door to alert him of the fire.  Assistant Fire Chief Robert Morton told us that although the fire was reported out he did not like what he saw in the attic area and had it opened up to ensure the fire didn’t extend up there.  The smoke chased Cindy Mason out of her 3rd floor apartment, she tried to go back after her cat but was persuaded by firefighters not to go back.  Firefighters found her cat alive and well and closed it in a bedroom for safekeeping. It was uncertain at the time if the tenants would be able to return to their homes or if they would have to be relocated.   There were no injuries in the incident.  Firefighters did not leave the scene until after midnight.

BRIDGEPORT, CT—Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) is announcing his third annual “Valentines for Vets” program, which collects valentines made by Fourth District children to deliver to local veterans. This year’s valentines will be taken to the local VA hospital, Homes for the Brave in Bridgeport, and other service organizations. Himes traditionally visits a participating school to make cards with students, and veterans accompany him to share stories about their service.

“I have seen how appreciative veterans are when someone sincerely thanks them for their service and know they are incredibly grateful for the many beautiful cards they receive,” Himes said. “This is a great chance for kids to learn about the sacrifice our men and women in uniform make while also brightening someone’s day.”

Anyone who would like to participate in this year’s Valentines for Vets program should call Peter Yazbak in Himes’s Bridgeport office at (866) 453-0028. Valentines may also be mailed to or dropped off at either of Himes’ district offices by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 10, 2012.

Amy and Mark Denicore are headed to a full-blown trial to defend themselves against charges that they violated Virginia law by making their kids late to elementary school too often.  The Denicores are each charged with three Class 3 misdemeanors, each of which carries a maximum fine of $500. Their three children, ages 6, 7 and 9, have been late to school almost 30 times since September. Most of their tardies were three minutes or less.   Read full story……..

Westport–A change of landscape in Westport as construction crews are dismantling the former Curran Cadillac dealer at 561 Post Road East.  We are told Terrain, a eco-friendly garden and a patio supply store will be taking its place.  Curran Cadillac was in business for over 40 years.

 

A Bridgeport police officer suffered non life-threatening injuries to his head, back and legs after losing control of his motorcycle while escorting a funeral procession.  Read full story…….

In a story you read here first, a liquor store in Westport located 339 Main Street called police that $700 was taken off the counter was found in the car of the person originating the complaint of the theft.   Police originally thought it to be a crime of opportunity and thought a customer driving a silver Porsche took the cash as the clerk was distracted helping a customer.  This prompted a search for the Porsche which was located and pulled over on the Merritt Parkway at exit 44 off ramp around 5pm on Friday.   No money was found on the vehicle and police did not feel this car was involved in the crime.   The money was found by the complainant and Westport Police closed the case.   The money apparently was carried back along with the liquor purchase .

One of the two young children murdered by their father after an horrific custody battle had provided chilling details of how their mother went missing after a late-night camping trip.

Josh Powell killed himself and his two sons Braden and Charlie in a gas explosion in their rented Washington state home on Sunday – two years after their mother Susan went missing

.Today one of the family’s lawyers said that 7-year-old Charlie ‘talked about that they went camping and that Mommy was in the trunk. Mom and Dad got out of the car and Mom disappeared.’  Read full story………